LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington VA Health Care System is joining the fold of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, becoming its 20th affiliated hospital in the state.
The partnership aims to give Kentucky veterans expanded access to specialized cancer care, including clinical trials and advanced technology that the Markey Cancer Center offers as Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI) designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Through this affiliation, veterans can receive comprehensive cancer care, from prevention to treatment to survivorship, within the VA network and closer to home.
The Lexington VA Health Care system serves a population of nearly 83,000 veterans in central Kentucky, with two Lexington campuses and community clinics in Berea, Hazard, Morehead and Somerset. It offers a wide range of cancer services, including various surgical specialties, medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion, along with other services such as physical therapy, mental health support and social work assistance.
“By joining forces with UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, we are pooling our resources, expertise and dedication to provide comprehensive, state-of-the-art cancer care tailored specifically to the unique needs of our veterans,” said Anna Rose, clinical nurse specialist at the Lexington VA Health Care System. “Our collaboration will enhance access to cutting-edge treatments, advanced diagnostics, and holistic support services, ensuring that our veterans receive the best possible care throughout their cancer journey.”
UK and the VA have had a longstanding partnership. The two institutions collaborate on research, education and patient care, with many UK faculty members holding joint appointments at the VA.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Lexington VA Health Care System into the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network,” said Colleen Swartz, D.N.P., acting UK HealthCare chief operations officer. “This new alliance will accelerate our joint efforts in cancer research and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes for Kentucky’s veterans and all cancer patients in our region.”
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network was created in 2006 to provide high-quality cancer care closer to home and to minimize the effects of cancer through education, prevention, clinical care and access to research. It is one of only 57 cancer centers in the country to earn the NCI’s Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network comprises of 20 hospitals across the state of Kentucky:
- Clark Regional Medical Center, Winchester
- Georgetown Community Hospital, Georgetown
- Harlan ARH Hospital, Harlan
- Harrison Memorial Hospital, Cynthiana
- Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, Hazard
- Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, Prestonsburg
- Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Somerset
- Lexington VA Health Care System, Lexington
- Meadowview Regional Medical Center, Maysville
- Mercy Health — Lourdes Hospital, Paducah
- Middlesboro ARH Hospital, Middlesboro
- Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro
- Rockcastle Regional Hospital, Mt. Vernon
- St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood
- Taylor Regional Hospital, Campbellsville
- The Medical Center at Bowling Green, Bowling Green
- TJ Samson Community Hospital, Glasgow
- Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center, South Williamson
- UK King’s Daughters, Ashland
- UK St. Claire, Morehead
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