Veterans in Lexington Gain Enhanced Cancer Care Through New Partnership
New affiliation to enhance cancer care for 80,000 veterans in lexington
Lexington, KY (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Veterans in Lexington now have improved resources to combat cancer, thanks to a new partnership between the Lexington VA Health Care System and the University of Kentucky (UK) Markey Cancer Center. Health officials have said this affiliation is a major milestone.
“This is the first partnership between a federal institution, the VA, and an NCI-designated university, that we are aware of,” said Anna Rose, a clinical nurse specialist.
At an event held Thursday at UK Hospital, applause echoed through the auditorium as the Lexington VA became the 20th affiliate of the UK Markey Cancer Center. This collaboration is set to benefit over 80,000 veterans who rely on the Lexington VA for their healthcare needs by providing them with access to specialized cancer care.
“We want to stand right next to the VA so that the veterans can know that they’re going to get high-quality care,” said Timothy Mullett, Medical Director for Markey Cancer Center.
Anna Rose emphasized that this collaboration is significant for both organizations and deeply personal for her.
“My grandfather passed away from lung cancer in 2010,” she said. “He was a Korean War veteran and an unfortunate sufferer from lung cancer,” said Rose.
But, Rose tells ABC 36 her grandfather is a major driving factor for her.
“He [grandfather] said to me ‘you are a nurse, I trust you,’ and so it is important to me that every action that I participate in is an exemplary of that, and I believe that this partnership earns that trust in part,” said Rose.
Attendees at today’s event expressed a strong personal connection to the announcement, reflecting the positive impact this partnership is expected to have.
“It’s a special honor for me because I’m a veteran, and because I’m a cancer patient,” said Mullett.
Health officials at the event say that veterans will experience enhanced quality of care and improved access to the services offered by the Markey Cancer Center.
