Discover the Future of Cancer Care: Join Astera Health’s Exclusive Tour of the Wadena Cancer Center Under Construction

Astera Health is gearing up for an exciting milestone. Their new cancer center in Wadena is set to open in just a few months, and a sneak peek was offered to a select group recently. Even though the center is still under construction, guests got a glimpse of what’s coming for healthcare in central Minnesota.

“There’s a real buzz as we tour the space,” shared April Kerkvliet, a registered nurse and oncology program coordinator at Astera Health. “Our patients are just as excited.”

According to CEO Joel Beiswenger, the new facility is part of a bigger vision. “This is about bringing better health and experiences to our patients and their families,” he noted. He emphasized that the center is designed with patient needs in mind.

Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Health reveal that over 33,000 people in the state were newly diagnosed with cancer in 2019. This reality has propelled Astera to enhance access to care.

“For those facing a cancer diagnosis, this is often the toughest time in their lives,” Beiswenger remarked. With the new center, patients will no longer have to travel 45 to 90 minutes for treatment, allowing them to receive care closer to home.

Thanks to a partnership with CentraCare, the cancer center will offer a wide range of services. “We will have a diverse team of doctors and providers,” Beiswenger explained. The facility will also feature advanced diagnostic tools, including a PET/CT scanner, and treatment options like a linear accelerator for radiation oncology.

For the dedicated oncology team at Astera Health, helping cancer patients is a deeply personal mission. Kerkvliet reflected on her own losses, saying, “I’ve witnessed the pain cancer can cause, and we want to ensure our patients receive the best care possible on their journey.”

Mark your calendars; Astera Health’s new cancer center is anticipated to open in July this year. This facility represents a hopeful step forward for cancer care in the community.