CARTI Year in Review
As each new year brings the excitement and anticipation of what lies in store, it also provides an opportunity to reflect back with pride and appreciation for that which we accomplished during the previous year.
At the dawn of 2016, CARTI was still freshly settling into its newly opened, world-class cancer center in Little Rock and celebrating the promise of a new age for cancer care in Arkansas.
Showcasing the CARTI Cancer Center at a special community open house commemorating the 40th anniversary of the organization in April, three new physicians would join the CARTI medical team during 2016. Interventional radiologist David A. Hays, M.D. joined CARTI in January, followed by medical oncologists Ryan E. Hall, M.D. in July and Grace L. Raja, M.D. in October.
The opening of the CARTI Patient Resource Center in March was the realization of a long held goal to provide patients with ready and convenient access to information, tools and opportunities designed specifically to provide emotional and inspirational support for those facing the cancer experience.
In partnership with the American Cancer Society, CARTI played host to a successful series of “Look Good, Feel Better” programs and highlighted the services of the new on-site Patient Appearance Center which provides items such as wigs, hats and scarves – among other things – to patients at no cost. Smoking cessation classes were also launched at CARTI as part of a grant from CVS Health.
Community outreach remained a cornerstone of CARTI’s commitment to the fight against cancer. Presenting six weekend retreats atop scenic Petit Jean Mountain, CARTI played host to approximately 360 cancer patients and caregivers while exploring tips and techniques designed to help guide them along their cancer journeys. Traveling Arkansas, CARTI also presented a total of 16 educational CancerAnswers luncheon seminars in eight cities throughout the state.
The addition of a staffed registered dietitian and the training of hundreds of new volunteers anxious to donate their time to assist CARTI facilities throughout Arkansas were two more of the highlights of 2016.
We were honored and humbled to have been entrusted with the health and wellbeing of more than 20,000 cancer patients during 2016. As we celebrate the close of our first year anchored at the new CARTI Cancer Center, we look forward to 2017 with the same patient centered, cancer focused commitment Arkansas cancer patients expect and deserve.
