The West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition (WCGCC) was initially known as the “Columbus Collaborative” was established June 29, 2001.
The WCGCC was uniquely established with a foundation around the public health system infrastructure, which made it different from all the others.
In June 2002, the former Georgia Cancer Coalition announced that it had awarded eight planning grants of $250,000 each through a competitive process, one of which was received by our own West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition.
“In 2008, the WCGCC expanded its service area to Troup County and became partners with West Georgia Health Systems, Enoch Callaway Cancer Center. A great partnership was forged to ensure the residents in the area were being serviced through the cancer coalition. We were very fortunate to begin this collaboration and work with our neighbors in LaGrange. Then, in 2010, our board decided to expand our services to reach our neighboring counties in Alabama because of the support and need. A vast majority of citizens who work and receive health care in Muscogee County, live in Russell and Lee County, therefore our service area was again expanded and these counties were added to our region. Because of this expansion of our service area, we rebranded our logo and mission statement. “Reducing the burden of cancer in the communities we serve, we are neighbors helping neighbors”.
The WCGCC established links with Emory (to address minority barriers to access), the Medical College of Georgia (to be a part of a tissue bank), and the Georgia Society of Clinical Oncology (GASCO) for research endeavors. We also worked with the Preeminent Scholar Program.
The WCGCC enlisted assistance from the University of Georgia’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences to help us analyze the demographics of our area and to help us measure our success.
Staying to true to our vision and mission, The WCGCC set the following goals:
check_circlePrevent cancer and detect existing cancers earlier
check_circleImprove access to quality care of all Georgians with cancer
check_circleSave more lives in the future
check_circleTrain future cancer researchers and caregivers
check_circleRealize economic benefits from eradicating cancer
Throughout the years, initiatives, collaborations and programs were initiated to include the Community Health Advisors program, screenings, navigation and education. These programs have evolved over the years through the strategic planning process and implementation. The dedicated board of directors continue to support all efforts of the coalition.
By continuing to execute our initiatives, the WCGCC has gained the support of local, state and national entities. Our work does not go unnoticed. We have been the recipient of many awards and recognition to include local, state, and federal grants, as well as corporate and foundation support.
Our plans are to continue making strides by educating the community about cancer prevention, empowering the community to make healthy life style changes through our outreach and prevention efforts, navigating clients through the healthcare system and connecting the community with available resources such as cancer screenings for the medically needy.
Our area includes: Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, Meriwether, Muscogee, Schley, Stewart, Talbot, Taylor, Troup, and Webster Counties, and Lee and Russell counties in Alabama.