Construction to begin on regional cancer center

What started as a wish becomes a reality this month as work begins on a regional cancer center that will bring all outpatient cancer services under one roof in Medford.

Asante employees are invited to a groundbreaking celebration at noon Saturday, Feb. 29, at 2960 Doctors Park Drive, Medford, just east of Asante Rogue Regional.

Asante leaders will talk about the vision for patient care at the cancer center, as well as how the community is helping to make this project a reality. Refreshments will be served. Those interested in attending are asked to RSVP as soon as possible.

The $64 million, 80,160-square-foot center will be built into the hillside just east of where Asante Hospice used to be. That building was torn down Jan. 29, and Hospice has moved to 209 N. Pacific Highway in Talent.

The new center will put all cancer outpatient services in one place, including imaging, radiation, chemotherapy, doctor consultations and lab tests.

Other features include:

• Private spaces with expansive views for infusion patients
• Expanded nurse navigator and social work programs to help guide patients through treatment
• Support services, including diagnostic imaging, retail pharmacy, laboratory and nutrition
• Complementary care, including support groups, oncological massage and donation resource center
• Office space for specialists to consult with patients and their families
• Telemedicine, bone marrow clinic and gynecological oncology

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

The Asante Foundation is raising $10 million for the project as part of its AsanteForward campaign. For more on the campaign, visit asantefoundation.org.