Phoebe, Horizons and AAPHC Celebrate Longstanding Partnership During Colon Cancer Awareness Month

Albany, GA | March 27, 2026 – A partnership to help uninsured and under-insured southwest Georgians get access to cancer screenings and cancer care has become a national model for how hospitals, community health centers and nonprofit organizations can work together to increase screenings and save lives.

In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Phoebe, Horizons – South Georgia’s Cancer Coalition, and Albany Area Primary Health Care (AAPHC) are highlighting their 18‑year partnership that has expanded access to lifesaving colorectal cancer screening and prevention services across southwest Georgia.

“One of the greatest challenges for community health centers like AAPHC is to overcome access barriers to hospital and specialty care for poor and uninsured patients,” said James Hotz, MD, who helped found AAPHC in 1978. “With the help of Phoebe, AAPHC achieves cancer screening rates that are consistently 20% above those reported by the other community health centers in Georgia. This partnership has been shown in research publications to be a model for the effectiveness of navigation to overcome barriers to cancer care,” Dr. Hotz added.

Since the formal launch of the partnership in 2008, the three organizations have worked together to ensure that patients, both insured and uninsured, receive timely colorectal cancer screening and navigation services. AAPHC identifies patients, Horizons navigates patients through the complete care process and Phoebe provides screenings and any necessary follow-up care.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what can be accomplished when health systems, primary care providers and community organizations align around prevention. Colon cancer is highly preventable and very treatable when detected early. Together with Horizons and AAPHC, we are removing barriers and saving lives,” said Troy Kimsey, MD, Surgical Oncologist and Medical Director of Oncology at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

Over the last five calendar years alone, Phoebe provided colonoscopies for 2,583 patients, discovered polyps in 1,726 patients and diagnosed 14 cases of cancer through this program. Most of the patients sent to Phoebe have some level of insurance, though uninsured patients receive free or reduced-cost colonoscopies, ensuring that lack of insurance does not prevent access to preventive care.

“These results show that our work is not limited to one patient population. We are meeting people where they are and helping them access appropriate screening, regardless of insurance status,” said Jennifer Johnston, Horizons incoming CEO.

Beyond screening, the collaborative program’s impact is seen in the number of patients who had polyps removed during colonoscopy, stopping cancer before it could develop. In other cases, colorectal cancers were identified, allowing patients to begin treatment earlier, when outcomes are often significantly improved.

“Every polyp removed is a potential cancer prevented, and every cancer caught early represents a better chance at successful treatment. That is why screening matters so much,” said Dr. Kimsey.

The roots of the collaboration date back even further. Horizons launched a pilot program in 2005 with an AAPHC clinic in Baker County where reduced-cost colonoscopies were provided at Phoebe using grant funding. As the pilot program showed success, Phoebe partnered with Horizons and AAPHC to provide colonoscopies for uninsured and underinsured individuals, laying out the foundation for the region-wide program that continues today.

Now, nearly two decades later, the partnership remains committed to reducing colorectal cancer disparities across Southwest Georgia.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet it remains a leading cause of cancer‑related death. The partners encourage adults, especially those age 45 and older and those with a family history of colorectal cancer, to talk with their healthcare provider about screening options.

“Awareness saves lives,” Dr. Kimsey said. “During Colon Cancer Awareness Month, we want people to know that screening works, support is available, and no one has to navigate this journey alone.”

Together, Phoebe, Horizons and AAPHC are proving that long‑standing collaboration, access to care and early detection can change outcomes and save lives, and they are committed to continuing the partnership to serve patients throughout southwest Georgia.