FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2017
MEDIA CONTACTS:
WVCI: Kelli Warner at 541-790-2275; kelliw@turellgroup.com
The Corvallis Clinic: Tony DeMeo at 541-768-2457; tony.demeo@corvallisclinic.com
CORVALLIS — Willamette Valley Cancer Institute is now open and seeing patients at its newest location in Corvallis, providing more options for cancer patients in Benton, Linn and Lincoln counties.
To schedule an appointment, call 541-754-1256.
Located inside The Corvallis Clinic’s Aumann Building at 444 NW Elks Drive, the cancer clinic includes six exam rooms and an infusion area with nine chairs, where patients can receive chemotherapy and other treatments.
“Getting the treatment that people want where they want it is important,” said medical oncologist Dr. Keith Wells, who relocated his family to Corvallis to serve as one of two primary physicians caring for patients at the clinic, alongside 10 staff members. “Bringing other options here to Corvallis is going to help people stay local,” he said.
The Corvallis Clinic considered potential oncology partners from throughout the Northwest, deciding that Eugene-based WVCI is the right fit.
“WVCI’s central location, which is 45 minutes away, offers great access,” said Kelly Hower, R.N., Director of Clinical Services for The Corvallis Clinic. “They understand this general community and the needs. Together, we’re giving patients another choice where they can receive their services. That’s huge.”
In addition, WVCI’s affiliation with the US Oncology Network offers patients access to investigational treatments through clinical trials that might otherwise be unavailable.
“There are clinical trials going on right now for all different types of cancer, from breast cancer to lymphoma and blood disorders,” said Dr. Wells. “Oncology has really blossomed, in terms of the number of drugs and treatment options available – not only as chemotherapy, but also non-toxic treatments as well.”
Patients receiving treatment through WVCI in Corvallis can access additional support through Project H.E.R., a program funded through The Corvallis Clinic Foundation that connects patients to local resources, including financial help, meal assistance and transportation.
“Our main focus is to be there for patients while they’re going through treatment and then through survivorship,” said Project H.E.R. outreach coordinator Parker Williams. Together, she and nurse navigator Kathy Nepper offer patients information, education and a shoulder to lean on.
“It’s very scary to hear, ‘You have cancer,’” Kathy said. “So, we need to instill hope and help them understand, ‘This is going to be a process – and, yes, your life has changed, but you can do this.’”
WVCI is also a participant in the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Oncology Care Model (OCM), which aims to provide higher quality, more highly coordinated oncology care at the same or lower cost to Medicare. WVCI and other practices participating in the OCM are committed to providing enhanced services to Medicare beneficiaries, such as patient navigation and developing national treatment guidelines for care to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.
About The Corvallis Clinic
The Corvallis Clinic, an independent, physician-led medical group, is a comprehensive multi-specialty organization, serving Benton, Linn and Lincoln counties. It offers more than 100 board-certified providers and advanced professionals in 27 specialties at 10 area locations. As the fourth-largest area employer, The Clinic has 600 employees.
About Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center
By providing easy access to the full range of advanced cancer care services, Willamette Valley Cancer Institute and Research Center plays a major role in helping patients win the battle against cancer. WVCI offers the latest advances in therapies, research and technology close to where patients live. Visit oregoncancer.com to learn more.
