EL DORADO - CARTI has secured funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to finalize the development of its comprehensive cancer center in El Dorado. This milestone represents a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare services for residents of South Arkansas.

"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, shares his passion for this initiative. "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," said Dr. Nair. "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."

Dr. Jim Sheppard, a family practice physician in El Dorado for close to 40 years, is an adamant supporter of CARTI’s expansion of services in El Dorado. “CARTI El Dorado is the primary source of cancer care for our region extending its reach from South Arkansas to North Louisiana. Three years ago, CARTI began a Phase I project of the CARTI Cancer Center with a $12 million investment. Seeing the remainder of the project being funded is an unbelievable testament to the impact CARTI has on the lives it serves, including mine.”

The CARTI Cancer Center in El Dorado has been a vital resource for the community, and with this funding, it is poised to further expand its capabilities. The Phase II expansion includes crucial components such as radiation oncology, breast services and CT technology, aiming to provide comprehensive care options closer to home for Arkansas citizens.

"CARTI has been an integral part of El Dorado for nearly a quarter-century, significantly contributing to the well-being of its residents," continued Adam Head. " We are humbled by the support and funding to complete a project CARTI initiated three years ago with a $12 million investment."

"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," remarked 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."