Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics Enters Transformative Era with Announcement of Brand-New Cancer Center and Expansion of Primary Care Services Throughout the Region

(CARLINVILLE, Ill.) — Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics announced a new era of cancer care for Macoupin County and beyond with the creation of the CAH&C Regional Cancer Center, part of the hospital’s Transformative Era initiative.

Through the hospital’s ongoing partnership with Springfield Clinic, the CAH&C Cancer Center aims to redefine what's possible in innovative, coordinated, compassionate cancer care within a rural health system. With expanded access, advanced diagnostics, and groundbreaking treatment options, this new comprehensive oncology center will bring world-class cancer care to the rural south-central region of Illinois.

“This is an extremely significant development stemming directly from our long partnership with Springfield Clinic and in some ways, is a continuation of our work together at the Outpatient Specialty Clinics,” said CAH&C President/CEO Brian Burnside. “Transforming our oncology services is about far more than building renovations. It’s about giving our patients the hope and the care they deserve, and fulfilling our promise to be their trusted healthcare partner throughout their lifetime, no matter where their healthcare journey takes them.”

The CAH&C Cancer Center reflects the hospital’s transformative growth in oncology services, doubling capacity from six treatment seats to 12 and prioritizing comfort, privacy, and infection prevention. Led by Dr. Amit Gupta, Dr. Leonard Giannone, and Mallory Waltrip, APRN, CNP, the center will offer multidisciplinary care and utilize a broad specialist network, care navigation, treatment, nutrition, and support. Expanded diagnostic services—such as PET scans, Interventional Radiology (IR), biopsies, and other testing—as well as cutting-edge oncology services like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy, will also be available locally. Specialized breast and prostate cancer treatment programs, and options to provide radiation and new therapies in Carlinville are also being explored.

“It’s truly incredible to see this vision become a reality. Cancer is a difficult journey from diagnosis to treatment, and unfortunately, we’ve all been affected by this disease in some capacity, whether firsthand or through a loved one,” Dr. Gupta explained. “Treatment can take months or even years, so having to travel long distances can add to the burden for patients. We don’t want people to leave their families, their comfort zones, and compromise their quality of care. Our goal is to bring high-quality cancer care closer to home.”

The Next Era of Healthcare

The CAH&C Transformative Era reinforces the hospital’s dedication to securing patient access well into the future as it expands local services and extends its reach beyond Macoupin County. This new era builds on the success CAH&C has experienced since its founding in 1952, shaping the CAH&C of today with a thriving employment culture, primary care at the center of its service, and transformative specialty care rarely available in rural settings.

In keeping with its commitment to providing expert Primary Care throughout the region, CAH&C has finalized its acquisition of Macoupin Family Practice Centers, strengthening the system’s primary care capabilities in Carlinville, Gillespie, and now, Mt. Olive. As part of the acquisition, Dr. Bruce Weber and Dr. Brian Quarton are joining the CAH&C medical team, bringing years of expertise and providing the same trusted care our communities rely on.

“Ultimately, this will go down as one of the most significant events in the history of our organization,” Burnside said. “The acquisition of Macoupin Family Practice Centers reinforces our commitment to providing high-quality medical services to residents of our communities and beyond, bringing two established, regional healthcare leaders under one roof. Both today and well into the future, we remain focused on improving access to excellent primary care services throughout the region.” Continuing to build on that commitment, CAH&C has also hired two new primary care providers, Dr. Michael Gleason and Dr. Ashley Schneider, both Central Illinois natives and family practitioners serving all ages at Carlinville Family Health Care.

“From the Rural Health Clinics to our inpatient services, both Dr. Gleason and Dr. Schneider have had a profound impact on patient care in the short time they’ve been with our organization,” Burnside said. “I’m extremely excited to see how their careers develop and the continued impact they’ll have on the quality of care in our communities for many years to come.”

Additionally, CAH&C continues to expand access to much-needed medical services in Virden. Having already opened a Rural Health Clinic in the community in 2025, CAH&C is proud to announce Sav-Mor Pharmacy will open next door to Virden Family Health Care soon. Owner Dave Falk has been recognized as a Foundational Community Partner for his support of Virden and Macoupin County and his commitment to expanding healthcare services for our residents.