Georgia CORE's History

When Georgia CORE was formed in 2003, the state of Georgia was fighting to counteract the perception that “better cancer care was available elsewhere.” Each neighboring state boasted at least one NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center while Georgia, the largest state east of the Mississippi River, had a high incidence of cancer, fewer clinical trials and no NCI-designated Cancer Center. Though there were medical schools, hospitals, oncologists and cancer centers in Georgia, the state lacked a focused, strategic approach to oncology care and research. Governor Roy Barnes’ unveiled a bold initiative in 2001 which provided the impetus for creation of Georgia CORE. One of the Governor’s most emphatic demands was that no Georgian should have to leave the state to obtain quality cancer care. His plan established the Georgia Cancer Coalition (GCC) with funding from a portion of the state’s “tobacco settlement.” The late Hamilton Jordan, a survivor of multiple cancers, created the strategy for the new entity whose goal was to make Georgia a national leader in cancer care while saving lives lost to the disease.

Georgia CORE was created to address two of the state’s most glaring weaknesses - a deficit of clinical trials and limited capacity to conduct research - by orchestrating collaboration among community oncologists and academic researchers.

Read the Full History Manuscript.

Read Georgia On My Mind from Oncology Issues May / June 2008.

Last Updated: 1/05/2022 10:29:03 AM