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Public Relations http://w2.uky.edu/UKPR/ CONTACT: Hollye Staley, (859) 323-6363 Melissa Cornett, (606) 487-7534 FOR RELEASE New ARH Cancer Center in Hazard Teams Up with UK HealthCare's Markey Cancer Center to Improve Region's Cancer Care LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 9, 2007) − State and local officials announced this week the new $7 million cancer center at Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center is helping to lead the way in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer in eastern Kentucky. Through a unique affiliate partnership between ARH and UK HealthCare's Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, this part of the region is now able to receive some of today’s most advanced cancer services close to home. Located on the campus of the ARH Regional Medical Center in Hazard, the ARH Cancer Center is a modern cancer treatment facility offering advanced cancer care. It is now the fourth affiliate in the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network. “As the largest provider of care in southeastern Kentucky, our communities depend on us to provide them with local access to quality care and the most advanced medical services,” said Jerry W. Haynes, President and CEO for Appalachian Regional Healthcare. “This new cancer center will give patients access to the most technologically advanced equipment in the region as well as caring and highly skilled board-certified medical professionals with many years experience treating cancer." "We are excited about this partnership with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center because it will further enhance the services provided at the cancer center and will ensure the residents of Perry and surrounding counties receive the best in cancer treatment here at home,” Haynes added. Some features in the 10,000-square-foot cancer center include: An Equal Opportunity University A board certified radiation oncologist and a board certified medical oncologisthematologist with a combined total of nearly 40 years experience treating all forms of cancer A board certified radiation physicist, along with ARRT certified radiation therapists The latest in treatment techniques from Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) to Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT) Varian Clinac® iX Radiation Therapy Linear Accelerator, which delivers the most accurate radiation beams using image-guided radiation therapy to precisely target cancers and rotates around the patient to deliver treatment from almost any angle State-of-the-art radiation therapy treatment planning system GE CT Therapy Simulator, custom-designed to replicate patient position and imaging as they will be treated on the linear accelerator A dedicated chemotherapy suite, which will offer patients comfortable La-Z-Boy recliner treatment chairs and more Educational and support group meeting room Additional exam rooms and expanded patient and family waiting areas "The major goal of the Markey Cancer Center is to improve the care of cancer patients throughout Kentucky," said Dr. Robert T. Means, Jr., interim director of Markey Cancer Center. "We meet this goal by partnering with local hospitals like Hazard ARH to provide first-line cancer care in the community setting. The Markey Cancer Center in Lexington also is available to provide highly complex care that is not practical for community hospitals. This means the citizens of Kentucky do not need to leave the Commonwealth to get nationally recognized, state-of-the-art care. Furthermore, patients at our affiliates are able to participate in clinical studies that help turn scientific knowledge into clinical care." "The Markey Cancer Center is honored that Hazard ARH has chosen to partner with us as we both strive to improve the care of our neighbors," Means said. About the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network Last year, Markey Cancer Center took a step toward moving its advanced cancer care into communities throughout the state, while also assuring that when more advanced treatment is needed beyond the community level, patients have access to quality and continuity of care at the Lexington campus location. A network affiliation agreement with hospitals throughout the state is working to create a collaborative provider network to expand and enhance cancer care in communities and develop relationships so patients can stay close to home for cancer treatment. Participating in the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network are St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Rockcastle Hospital and Respiratory Care Center in Mt. Vernon, Harrison Memorial in Cynthiana and Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center. “The University of Kentucky is a health care resource for the Commonwealth,” said Dr. Michael Karpf, UK executive vice president for health affairs. “With this collaboration, we are not only enhancing the level of care provided on our own campus, but also throughout Southern, Central and Eastern Kentucky.” The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network creates an association of health care providers throughout the state who collaborate with Markey Cancer Center clinicians and researchers for the purpose of improving quality of care, preventive medicine, education and research into cancer and related diseases throughout the Commonwealth. As Markey Cancer Center expands its advanced cancer care on campus with recruitment of internationally known cancer care specialists, it also is focused on insuring the best cancer care available in the Commonwealth and developing a link into communities so patients can stay in their community and still have access to care in Lexington in an efficient manner. “Patients should have access to appropriate care in their community and have strong community providers,” Karpf said. “We want to offer care close to the patient’s home and family. It’s important for people to be close to their own community support network.” The broad network of hospitals throughout the state will impact and sustain quality of care in local communities. Patients also will have access to Markey Cancer Center research programs, and tumor boards will be on-site to oversee the quality of care. A constant influx of new scientists, ideas and technologies keeps Markey Cancer Center at the forefront in the fight against cancer. Markey Cancer Center was nationally ranked 46 in U.S. News & World Report's 2007 list of best cancer hospitals. ### In striving to become a Top 20 public research institution, the University of Kentucky is a catalyst for a new Commonwealth – a Kentucky that is healthier, better educated, and positioned to compete in a global and changing economy. For more information about UK’s efforts to become a Top 20 university, please go to http://www.uky.edu/OPBPA/Top20.html