More than 500 people welcomedCancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA)to the Southeast during a groundbreaking ceremony today inNewnan, Ga.Lt. GovernorCasey Cagle, Senate President Pro TemporeTommie Williamsand a delegation of public officials, community and business leaders joined more than 160 cancer patients, survivors and caregivers for the celebration.

CTCA officially broke ground on a 212,000-square-foot, all-digital facility inNewnan, Ga.–the first CTCA hospital in the Southeast. It will open inSeptember 2012and join CTCA regional destination hospitals inChicago,Philadelphia,Phoenixand Tulsa.

TheGeorgiahospital will provide the latest treatment and technology in the fight against cancer for adult patients. CTCA specializes in advanced-stage and complex cancer.

"This will be a blessing for patients like me who travel across the country to get top-notch care," saidTanya Gruce, a breast cancer patient fromSeminole, Fla.Gruce, diagnosed in 2007 at just 31 years of age, receives treatment at CTCA inPhiladelphia.

"When you are fighting for your life, you want state-of-the-art treatment closer to home," Gruce said. "CTCA's patient-centered approach is so much different than anywhere else. They give patients the information we need to make treatment decisions. They bring hope."

Cancer patients and their families travel hundreds of miles one way to receive the unique CTCA treatment model known asPatient Empowered Care®.The model combines state-of-the-art clinical treatments and technology with an array of complementary therapies – such as nutrition therapy, naturopathic medicine, pain management, oncology rehabilitation, mind-medicine and spiritual support – that help manage side effects and improve quality of life. CTCA also encourages and empowers patients to take an active role in treatment decision-making.

TheAtlanta-area hospital will have 50 beds, along with ICU rooms, an outpatient clinic, radiation department and other accommodations for patients and their families. More than two-thirds of its cancer patients are expected to arrive for treatment from outside ofGeorgia, making it a destination hospital and creating medical tourism for the area.

Recognized as one of the "State of Georgia's Top 10 Economic Development Projects" by former Governor Perdue, the new hospital will generate about 500 new jobs in theNewnan-Coweta Countyarea.

"We are partnering with theCity of Newnan,Coweta Countyand theState of Georgiato make this hospital a gateway to better serve cancer patients throughout the Southeast – and serve the community," saidKane Dawson, president and CEO of CTCA in Newnan. "The economic impact is expected to top$500 millionin our first five years of operation."

A series of town hall sessions launched today's groundbreaking festivities, discussing CTCA from a clinical, patient experience, and economic and community partnership perspective.

"Today marks a significant step in fighting cancer in the Southeast and giving patients and their families the access to high-quality care they deserve," Dawson said. "We look forward to opening the doors of this hospital and bringing our unique model of care closer to the patients and family we serve."