Lexington VA Health Care System joins Markey Affiliate Network, expanding cancer care for Kentucky veterans
By Elizabeth Chapin
University of Kentucky
The Lexington VA Health Care System is now affiliated with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, Kentucky’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.
This partnership will provide Kentucky veterans with expanded access to specialized cancer care, including clinical trials and advanced technology available only at NCI-designated cancer centers. Through this affiliation, veterans can receive comprehensive cancer care – from prevention to treatment to survivorship – within the VA network and closer to home.
“This innovative partnership is a model for how NCI-designated cancer centers and the VA can collaborate effectively to address the distinct health challenges experienced by our veterans,” said Markey Cancer Center Director Dr. Mark Evers. “It embodies Markey’s mission to reduce Kentucky’s cancer burden and ensure that every Kentuckian, including our veterans, has access to world-class cancer care.”
By joining the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, the Lexington VA Health Care System becomes one of 20 affiliated hospitals in Kentucky.
“Their sacrifices for our nation are immeasurable, and through this collaboration, we’re ensuring they receive the excellence in cancer care they deserve,” said Lexington VA Health Care System Executive Director Russell Armstead.
With its two Lexington campuses and community clinics in Berea, Hazard, Morehead and Somerset, the Lexington VA Health Care System serves a population of nearly 83,000 veterans across Central Kentucky. Since 2015, Lexington VA Health Care System has seen an average of more than 500 newly diagnosed cancer cases annually, providing care to more than 12,000 veterans diagnosed with cancer through more than 150,000 visits. The system offers a wide range of cancer services — including various surgical specialties, medical oncology and chemotherapy infusion — to treat many cancer types, along with essential ancillary 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.
This affiliation builds upon the longstanding partnership between UK and the VA. Both institutions collaborate on research, education and patient care, with many UK faculty members holding joint appointments at the VA.
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 prevention and education programs, exceptional clinical care and access to research. This work is particularly important in Kentucky, where cancer rates are the highest in the nation.
Military veterans also experience a significant cancer burden, with higher rates of several cancer types. Within the Lexington VA Health Care System, lung cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma are the most common diagnoses. These patterns reflect national statistics on cancer among veterans and guide targeted efforts in prevention, early detection and treatment.
“The partnership will open new avenues to bring leading-edge cancer care and research opportunities directly to our veterans, and demonstrate how strategic collaborations enhance care quality, accelerate research and ultimately improve health outcomes across Kentucky,” said Dr. Timothy Mullett, medical director of the Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network.
The 20 hospitals in the network are: Clark Regional Medical Center, Winchester; Georgetown Community Hospital; Harlan ARH Hospital; Harrison Memorial Hospital, Cynthiana; Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center; Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, Prestonsburg; Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Somerset; Lexington VA Health Care System; Meadowview Regional Medical Center, Maysville; Mercy Health — Lourdes Hospital, Paducah; Middlesboro ARH Hospital; Owensboro Health Regional Hospital; Rockcastle Regional Hospital, Mt. Vernon; St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Edgewood; Taylor Regional Hospital, Campbellsville; The Medical Center at Bowling Green; TJ Samson Community Hospital, Glasgow; Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center, South Williamson; UK King’s Daughters, Ashland; and UK St. Claire, Morehead.