Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI)

For more than 40 years, CARTI has been synonymous with cutting-edge, state of the art cancer care treatment in Arkansas. From its origins as one of the nation's leading networks of freestanding, not-for-profit radiation therapy providers to its modern evolution as a comprehensive cancer center, CARTI remains committed to its core mission of providing the finest quality cancer treatment and compassionate patient care while also continuing to improve our knowledge through education and research. CARTI first opened on April 5, 1976 as the Central Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute on the campus of St. Vincent Infirmary Medical Center in Little Rock. Operating as an independent network of radiation therapy providers, CARTI would grow to include ten more satellite locations throughout Arkansas. Statement continued on Sch O.CARTI was incorporated in 1970 and opened its first radiation therapy center in Little Rock on April 5, 1976. Little Rock Hematology/Oncology (lRHO) became part of CARTI on December 1, 2011. Hematology Oncology Services of Arkansas (HOSA) joined the CARTI network on January 1, 2013. Physicians on staff at CARTI include twelve medical oncologists, eight radiation oncologists, three diagnostic radiologists, one surgical oncologist, and one interventional oncologist. CARTI has a statewide network of satellite clinics. Medical oncology is offered in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Benton, Clinton, Conway, El Dorado, Heber Springs, Russellville and Stuttgart. Radiation oncology is offered in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway Mountain Home, and Searcy. Ribbon cutting ceremonies for the CARTI Cancer Center - a new, 170,000 square foot, 90 million dollar, multi-story comprehensive treatment facility located in Little Rock were conducted on October 16, 2015. Serving as the administrative hub of the CARTI network, the CARTI Cancer Center is located just south of interstate 630 on a 37.12-acre plot with easy access to I-630 to allow patients easier access to fully integrated cancer care. The CARTI Cancer Center officially opened its doors and began treating patients on November 2, 2015. CARTI treats a wide variety of cancers, with the three most widely treated cancers being breast, lung and colorectal. As the largest not-for-profit network of private practice cancer care specialists in Arkansas, CARTI currently sees an estimated 30,000 patients per year. In addition to utilizing leading-edge radiation therapy to help those Arkansans who are diagnosed with cancer, CARTI has a "ray of hope" network that exists to care for the whole patient. From public education programs like cancer answers; to wellness initiatives like massage therapy. The ray of hope network provides a broad scope of assistance to meet the many and diverse needs of those fighting for their lives, as well as helping the family members who support them. As part of the ray of hope network, CARTI offers a comprehensive counseling and resource program to inform patients of available resources. Social workers assess patient need requests to assist him or her in obtaining the resources necessary to make their cancer treatment possible. Patients who qualify financially are offered assistance in the areas of lodging and transportation as well as financial assistance for prescription medicines and personal needs as they relate to their treatment. During the fiscal year, CARTI patient assistance referrals were made to multiple patients for the following assistance programs: transportation, housing, emotional support, therapeutic massage, dental referrals and other referrals including but not limited to medicine, nutrition, translation, etc. CARTI is committed to Arkansas communities by providing a tremendous number of outreach programs at no cost to participants. CARTI provides multiple functions throughout the year including: the cancer answers educational luncheon is open to the community for former patients as well as community members to attend and become better informed about issues related to cancer. Weekend retreats are offered at no cost each year for cancer patients and their families to learn coping mechanisms, communication and resource use. The CARTI Kids Program is a program designed for pediatric cancer survivors and will assist in emotional, physical and financial challenges as well as provide events and scholarships to the participating children.