Avita announces the arrival of a comprehensive cancer center in Ontario

ONTARIO — Cutting-edge cancer care could be available in Richland County by fall 2025.

Avita Health System announced plans to build a $15 million comprehensive cancer center on its south campus at Richland Mall.

The center will include a 20,000 square foot cancer care facility, 14 chemotherapy rooms, a radiation oncology room and a specialty pharmacy.

“It will include state-of-the-art radiation therapy and infusion services as well as an integrated pharmacy department,” said Kim Winkle, vice president of operations for Avita Health System.

“Surgeons, physicians and radiation oncologists, pharmacists, oncology navigators and other support staff, including social workers and financial counselors, will all work together in the new space to deliver exceptional cancer treatment close to home . »

Winkle said Avita’s Bucyrus and Galion locations will continue to provide on-site oncology services, which already include infusion.

The comprehensive cancer center is supported by a $1.15 million grant from the one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund following passage of the 2023 state operating budget.

“These projects will improve our children’s education, our health and our safety,” said State Senator Romanchuk (R-Ontario). “I am pleased that we were able to secure significant funding for so many worthy projects. »

Winkle said Avita is in the design phase of the new center and has received several gifts and grants.

“We estimate the total cost of the approximately 20,000 square foot facility, plus new equipment, to be approximately $15 million,” she said.

“We plan to create around 25 new jobs in the area initially, with the potential to create even more as the range of services grows. »

Jerome Morasko, president and CEO of Avita Health System, said the state grant is one of several gifts and grants supporting the project.

“In addition to creating more jobs in the community, the goal will be to improve the patient’s care plan by having local oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons and primary care providers work as a team,” Morasko said .

“It will also allow patients to receive more locally delivered care, which is an important demand we receive from our cancer patients.”

Comprehensive Cancer Centers are designated by the National Cancer Institute after meeting NCI standards for cancer prevention, clinical services and research.

Avita’s new comprehensive cancer center will be located at its South Campus facility at 600 Richland Mall, Ontario.

For more information about Avita Health System, visit avitahealth.org.

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