Georgia Center for Oncology Research and Education, Inc.

To improve health and quality of life outcomes for patients and survivors by decreasing or eliminating disparities in cancer care. These goals are accomplished through

Collaboration -- delivering high quality programs and services through innovative partnerships and with measurable outcomes
Access -- serving those in areas of greatest need and opportunity to improve cancer prevention, screening and treatment
Equity -- engaging racial and ethnic minorities and survivors at all levels of the organization
Advocacy -- advocating for policies, programs and funding that are evidence-based and address identified needs

Creating statewide access to equitable, inclusive cancer care , research and resources
Expanding the reach of clinical trials and new cancer treatments through personalized medicine
Establishing and funding cancer screening initiatives
Developing and offering education, programs and services focused on survivors
Introducing genetic screening, testing and counseling in public health settings
Providing cancer policy briefings to guide informed investments by lawmakers and public officials
Engaging stakeholders in the development and monitoring of the Georgia Cancer Plan
Disseminating research and outcomes through conferences, whitepapers and peer-reviewed publications

Collaboration -- delivering high quality programs and services through innovative partnerships and with measurable outcomes
Access -- serving those in areas of greatest need and opportunity to improve cancer prevention, screening and treatment
Equity -- engaging racial and ethnic minorities and survivors at all levels of the organization
Advocacy -- advocating for policies, programs and funding that are evidence-based and address identified needs

Facilitating a collaborative community research network for the conduct of cancer clinical trials and cancer care delivery research with funding from the National Cancer Institute;
Expanding screening, treatment, navigation, survivorship and genetics services for high risk and underserved women through a network of public and private partners;
Analyzing the health and economic impact of the state's investments of tobacco settlement funds for cancer;
Providing policy briefings to lawmakers to guide informed investments in cancer care and research;
Creating and sustaining statewide partnerships to develop, implement and track outcomes of the Georgia Cancer Plan;
Providing navigation services and resources to patients, caregivers, survivors and cancer professionals;
Disseminating research and resources through websites, professional conferences, whitepapers and publications;
Providing exceptional management and governance.

Georgia CORE is a public-private partnership that unites experts, survivors, healthcare and cancer-fighting organizations into a single force -- to provide higher quality of care for patients and better quality of life for survivors throughout Georgia. The organization's capabilities are defined by the following assets and resources:

*Board of Directors of multi-disciplinary cancer experts and thought leaders
*Diverse and highly qualified staff; engaged team of volunteers and survivors
*Research network of academic, community and public health centers reaching all corners of the state
*GeorgiaCancerInfo.org a comprehensive online cancer information center and BreastCancerGeneScreen.org for genetic resources and on line genetic risk assessment
*Cancer Survivorship Connection led by an Advisory Board of cancer survivors
*Extensive partnerships among academic and community cancer centers, public health and non profit organizations
*Co-sponsorship of Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia with the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO) to extend training and support to navigators and caregivers
*Individual contributors, volunteers and community health organizations engaged in supporting breast cancer screening and cancer research.
* Resilience and sustainability driven by strong management and funding from government grants, research contracts and private contributions

Georgia CORE was created fifteen years ago to address the state's disparity in clinical trials and ensure access to the latest research advances so that Georgians could receive the best cancer care close to home. Today Georgia has a reputation as a premier destination for cancer care. Georgia CORE adds to the state’s distinction as a national leader in numerous ways. The results of our programs document an increase in clinical trials accrual in community centers; expansion of clinical trials into rural communities; and reduction of racial and ethnic disparities in research and screening. Georgia CORE’s websites GeorgiaCancerInfo.org and BreastCancerGeneScreen.org fill a critical need for a coordinated and centralized platform that allows patients, caregivers and survivors access to information and resources. Innovative genetic risk assessment, counseling and testing are delivered in public health centers across the state. Legislative advocacy provided by Georgia CORE has contributed to enhancements in state funding for numerous cancer programs. Multiple peer reviewed publications co-authored by Georgia CORE’s staff and partners document these outcomes while recognition from the National Cancer Institute affirms the high level of performance of our research network. All this is accomplished through a unique, cost effective model and there is no other program in the nation quite like ours.

Georgia CORE is evolving in response to dynamic changes in the art and science of oncology care, remaining true to our founding principles, undergoing strategic planning and preparing for long term sustainability. The state’s leading experts in oncology consistently serve on Georgia CORE’s Board of Directors. Their leadership transcends competition to create the culture of cancer collaboration that distinguishes Georgia and makes it possible to develop and nurture a broad consortium of partners -- academic medical centers, community cancer programs, regional cancer coalitions and cancer non-profits. The Board and executive staff have enhanced organizational financial performance by attracting and retaining a talented staff; holding down administrative costs; balancing public and private funding; reducing expenses via a contract with Georgia State University for human resources, payroll and benefits; creating funds for organizational sustainability and future strategic initiatives.