ONTARIO — Richland County residents could have another option for state-of-the-art cancer care by the fall of 2025.
Avita Health System has announced plans for a $15-million comprehensive cancer center at its south campus on Richland Mall.
The center will include a 20,000-square-foot cancer care facility, 14 chemotherapy rooms, a radiation oncology suite and a specialized pharmacy.
“It will include state-of-the-art radiation therapy and infusion services alongside an integrated pharmacy department,” said Avita Health System vice president of operations Kim Winkle.
“Surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, pharmacists, cancer navigators, and other support staff including social workers and financial counselors will all work together in the new space to bring exceptional cancer treatment close to home.”
Winkle said Avita’s Bucyrus and Galion locations will continue to provide oncology services on site, which already includes infusion.
The comprehensive cancer center is supported by a $1.15-million grant award from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund after the state’s operating budget passed in 2023.
“These projects will enhance our children’s education, our health and our safety,” said State Sen. Romanchuk (R-Ontario). “I am pleased we have been able to obtain significant funding for so many worthwhile endeavors.”
Winkle said Avita is in the design phase of the new center and has received multiple gifts and grants.
“We estimate the total cost of the approximate 20,000-square-foot facility, along with new equipment, to be approximately $15 million,” she said.
“We are expecting to bring approximately 25 new jobs to the area initially, with the potential for even more as the service line grows.”
Jerome Morasko, president and CEO of Avita Health System, said the state grant is one of many gifts and grants supporting the project.
“In addition to bringing more jobs to the community, the goal will be to enhance the patient’s plan of care by having local oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and primary care providers work as a team,” Morasko said.
“It will also allow patients to receive a greater amount of care done locally, which is a big request we receive from our cancer patients.”
Comprehensive cancer centers are designated by the National Cancer Institute after meeting NCI standards in cancer prevention, clinical services and research.
Avita’s new comprehensive cancer center will be located at their South Campus facility at 600 Richland Mall in Ontario.
For more information about Avita Health System, visit avitahealth.org.