Useful Links:	Health Focus: The Cancer Center STATE-OF-THE-ART CANCER CENTER DUE IN '08 The goal set by the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center Initiative is precisely focused: "We will create at state-of-the-art cancer program which emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to prevention, detection, supportive care and treatment." The mission statement is just as exact: "Seeking excellence in all aspects of cancer care." Those charges opened a meeting of more than 100 people gathered to assist with the creation of the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center. By 2008, at "a central location," the committee intends to have a center in full operation. The 60 members of the committee, as well as executive steering and steering committee representatives, heard the ambitious plans for the center Tuesday evening during a meeting at State Mutual Insurance's corporate office. Among their challenges: To "create a convenient and easily accessible location for cancer information, resources and services." The center would: Provide education and resources concerning cancer prevention and early detection Develop and enhance cancer supportive care services Provide the highest quality of cancer care services Also presented were the key values of the initiative: Prevention, control and outreach Quality care for patients and their families Compassionate, personalized care Multidisciplinary treatment approach Highly trained service providers Efficient care State-of-the-art care utilizing the latest advances Participation in the development of new therapies Participation in clinical research Helping guide the cancer initiative will be an executive steering committee consisting of: Dr. Thomas Simpson, Dr. Matt Mumber, Dr. Melissa Dillmon, Dr. J. C. Abdou, Janice Hopkins, CFNP, and Joan Kines The steering committee includes the following doctors: Paul Brock, Billy Chacko, Ken Davis (Harbin's president and CEO), Al Diaz, Barritt Gilbert, Dilawar Khan, Robert King, Christopher Robinson, James Santoro, Forrest Schrum, Randy Warley,Tony Warren and David Weinstein. The advisory committee features more than 60 people, including business and medical leaders as well as cancer survivors, representatives from other cancer organizations. Among the membership: Gena Askew, executive director of the Northwest Georgia Regional Cancer Coalition Inc.; Ann Hook, co-chair of the 2006 Relay for Life; Dee Yancey and Doc Kibler, who hope to include the cancer center as an "anchor" to the revitalized Barron Stadium neighborhoods they are proposing; Frank Barron; and Gardner Wright. The overall membership list: Gena Agnew                                                        Robbin Lee Marilyn Allison                                          Wendy Pollack-Maddox Marsha Atkins                                                        Jesse Mayo Dr. Gary Batchelor                                          Dr. Gerald McCormick Julie Bagley                                                        Toni McIntyre Frank Barron                                                        Dr. Ken McKenzie Peggy Bennett                                                        Diane Miller Reed Biggers                                                        Randa Mixon Joan Blackwelder                                          Billy Murdock Brenda Bowen                                                        Sharon Norman Terri Brannon                                                        Terri Ott Dr. Joe Burch                                                        Todd Pledger Mary Beth Cauthen                                          Barbara Rees Dr. Eric Chand                                          Paige Shaw Annette Clairy                                                        Greg Shell Maxine Cochran                                          Denise Sims Tina Cox                                                        Beth Starnes Luanne Cranston                                          Ann Spears Janice Davis                                                        Dan Sweitzer Mark and Carrie Easterwood                            Frederick Swiger Janice Edenfield                                          Gwendolyn Watson Heather Erb                                                        Charlie Williams Tom Fricks                                                        Gardner Wright Lisa Dempsey                                                        Dee Yancey Anne Hamilton Bonnie Hammond Fred Hastings Kimmetha Herndon Ann Hook Denise Hutchins Carol James Joy Jones Becky Kelley Steve Kemp Doc Kibler Jan King BACKGROUND: Harbin Clinic's Cancer Center idea has been moving quickly since it brought in the former Regional Radiation and Oncology practice headed by James Santoro and Matt Mumber at 321 W. Fifth St. The cancer center concept quickly came together as Santoro and Mumber joined Harbin to work with other cancer specialists on staff. Additional doctors have been hired as well. The cancer center is pegged for a spot in the redeveloped neighborhoods surrounding and including Barron Stadium. That relationship is not final, however. Harbin also has plans for another medical office near Redmond Regional.
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