Agreement paves way to bring advanced oncology options to rural Georgia communities
ATLANTA, Feb. 23, 2026 – City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta, part of one of the nation’s largest organizations for advanced cancer research and treatment, and Upson Regional Medical Center in Thomaston, Georgia, announced plans for a partnership to offer coordinated, advanced oncology care to residents of West Central Georgia. Signed with a letter of intent (LOI), the two hospitals have laid the groundwork for future clinical affiliation to leverage the respective strengths and resources from each institution to deliver high-value, comprehensive and coordinated cancer care to patients.
“Recognizing residents in rural areas often face significant challenges in accessing cancer care, our partnership with Upson Regional Medical Center is a meaningful step forward in our mission to put patients first and expand cancer care access across the Southeast,” said Jonathan Watkins, president of City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. “This collaboration will allow us to bring our world-class cancer expertise and research to West Central Georgia, ensuring patients have access to the best possible treatment options close to home.”
This agreement ensures that most cancer services will be delivered locally at Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) by City of Hope’s highly trained, board-certified physicians, allowing patients in the Thomaston region to access comprehensive cancer care, including treatments, chemotherapy, and telemedicine, within their community. Through this collaboration, residents can receive the majority of their cancer care close to home.
For specialty care needs beyond the URMC capacity, patients have the opportunity to access care at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta, located in Newnan, Georgia. City of Hope Cancer Center provides in-person consultations with highly trained, board-certified physicians and access advanced medical treatment options, including innovative therapies from City of Hope’s leading-edge clinical research program.
“This partnership with City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta marks a milestone for Upson Regional Medical Center and the communities we serve. By joining forces, we are bringing world-class cancer expertise and innovative treatments directly to our communities, empowering our patients with access to comprehensive oncology care—without leaving their hometowns. This affiliation further solidifies our mission to provide excellent care rooted in compassion for all, and is a testament to our dedication to improving health outcomes for families across West Central Georgia,” said Dan Owens, CEO of Upson Regional Medical Center.
The affiliation with Upson Regional Medical Center would be City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta’s third rural partnership in the state, joining partnerships with Miller County Hospital in Colquitt, Georgia, and Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
To learn more about City of Hope Atlanta’s comprehensive cancer services, visit City of Hope’s website or call (855) 939-HOPE.
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About City of Hope
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked among the nation’s top cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, Orange County, California, campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHopeTM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Upson Regional Medical Center
Upson Regional Medical Center (URMC) is a 115‑bed, DNV‑accredited community hospital serving Upson County and the surrounding region of middle Georgia. For 75 years, URMC has delivered comprehensive, high‑quality healthcare close to home, offering a full range of services including Emergency Care, General Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Primary Care, Orthopedics, OB/GYN, ENT, Neurology, Hospital Medicine, Urology, Ophthalmology, Nephrology, Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry, General Surgery, Imaging, and Inpatient Services. The hospital features advanced capabilities such as an Interventional Cardiology Cath Lab, robotic surgery, and a helipad for rapid patient transport, and holds DNV Stroke and Chest Pain Accreditations. Guided by its mission—delivering excellent care rooted in compassion for all—URMC continues to invest in the people, technology, and services that support the health and well-being of the communities it serves. Learn more at www.urmc.org.
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Media Contacts:
City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta: Mimi Cooper, Mimi@Cookerly.com, 404-816-2037
Upson Regional Medical Center: Chelsea Peterson, Chelsea.Peterson@urmc.org, 706-601-3251