CARTI Cancer Center in El Dorado secures funding for completion
by February 18, 2024 9:52 am 525 views
CARTI has secured $7 million in funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to finalize the development of its comprehensive cancer center in El Dorado.
With this funding, the CARTI Cancer Center in El Dorado will begin a Phase II expansion that includes crucial components such as radiation oncology, breast services and CT technology, aiming to provide comprehensive care options closer to home for local citizens.
“CARTI has obtained funding to finalize the Phase II development of our $19 million comprehensive cancer center in El Dorado,” said Adam Head, CARTI President and CEO. “This is a one-time $7 million investment with generational impact, and it is nothing short of transformational for so many patients. We have served South Arkansas and Northern Louisiana for nearly 25 years, and completing this project will allow us to provide even more comprehensive care to the state. Our entire team is ready and thankful to have been considered for this crucial funding. We believe it’s needed, and as a mission-led organization, we are committed to expanding our services to meet the needs of our patients.”
Dr. Balan Nair, a medical oncologist with over two decades of experience serving cancer patients in and around El Dorado, said there is a higher cancer rate in this region of the state and the new facility will help significantly.
“Having treated thousands of patients over the last 25 years in El Dorado, it’s evident that South Arkansas grapples with disproportionately high cancer incidence rates,” Nair said. “Completing a comprehensive cancer center will serve as a symbol of hope, providing even more trustworthy and convenient care to those who need it most.”
“Bringing radiation therapy, breast services and CT capabilities to El Dorado has been a longstanding aspiration for CARTI. Now, as this vision materializes into reality, we stand ready to serve South Arkansas in a more comprehensive manner than ever before,” said Dr. Matthew Hardee, CARTI’s Medical Director for Radiation Oncology. “As a radiation oncologist, I am keenly aware that our services represent one of the missing links in providing the most comprehensive cancer care in the area.”