Mercy Health Announces Opening of New Cancer Center in Urbana
Oncology program expansion brings cancer care closer to home
Urbana, OH (January 13, 2025) – Mercy Health is expanding its oncology services into Champaign County with the opening of its new Mercy Health – Urbana Cancer Center. The health system has converted a unit from the former Mercy McAuley Center into a new state-of-the-art facility featuring six infusion chairs, a private infusion suite, as well as four exam rooms.
“Advancing cancer care in the two counties we serve is critical as we strive to meet the needs of cancer patients in our region,” said Pilar Gonzalez-Mock, Oncology Director for Mercy Health - Springfield. “Our mission of being ‘Good Help’ to those we serve continues to be at the very heart of what we do, and with this new facility, we’re able to deliver the best cancer care to the people who need it most in the community where they live.”
The new center will offer hematology and oncology services and have nurse navigators on staff to help guide patients through their treatment journeys. Patients will be able to visit with a nurse or doctor during their visit if needed. There are also two dedicated lab draw stations in the Cancer Center to accommodate patients more readily, with them also being able to utilize Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital’s existing pharmacy which was renovated and relocated to better support the oncology service line expansion.
Patients of the Mercy Health – Urbana Cancer Center will also have access to the same sub-specialty oncologists and opportunities for clinical trials that are available in Springfield through Mercy Health’s affiliation with The Ohio State University Comprehensive Care Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute’s The James Cancer Network (OSUCCC – James). The affiliation gives Mercy Health physicians and patients access to more than 200 oncologists, each of whom specializes in just one type of cancer. This expertise leads to more productive integration with cancer research and, ultimately, to better outcomes.
“This new treatment space is a testament to the dedication of our entire team and the incredible support we have received from the community. Our goal has always been to provide the highest quality of care, while supporting our patients and their families throughout their cancer journey. We are proud to now be able to do that in a way that allows more patients to stay close to their loved ones and their support network,” said Jamie Houseman, president of Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital.
The Ohio Department of Health shows Clark and Champaign Counties’ cancer and cancer-related mortality rates are higher than the state average for Ohio. Mercy Health is committed to reducing those statistics in our region and developing strategies to promote screenings, expand access to services, and aid patients facing financial challenges.
Through Mercy Health’s mission of bringing good help to those in need, the health system provides financial navigators to help patients find ways to limit the financial burden cancer can create. The American Medical Association reports cancer patients pay $16 billion out-of-pocket annually for cancer treatment. Using copay cards, grant money, and other cost-saving measures, these team members helped save local cancer patients nearly $2 million in 2023.
Whether you already have been diagnosed with cancer or are looking to understand your cancer risk better, Mercy Health offers an experienced team of oncology specialists who provide high-quality cancer care. To learn more about our oncology services, visit mercy.com.
About Mercy Health - Springfield
Mercy Health - Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health, one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland. Mercy Health – Springfield is a full-service, not-for-profit, integrated health care system, which has been providing quality health care to Springfield County and surrounding communities for more than 125 years. The health system provides inpatient, outpatient, and ancillary services through its two hospitals, Mercy Health – Springfield Hospital and Mercy Health – Allen Hospital in Oberlin; Mercy Health Physicians; and specialized facilities, including the Mercy Health - Cancer Center, Mercy Health – Outpatient Rehabilitation and Therapy, and Mercy Health - New Life Hospice. The mission of Mercy Health – Springfield is to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. For more information, visit Mercy Health online at www.mercy.com.
Contact: Jennifer Robinson
Mercy Health - Springfield Public Relations
(843) 798-1986, jennifer_robinson2@bshsi.org