Astera Health and CentraCare Partner to Build Cancer Center

The Boards of Directors at Astera Health and CentraCare have approved a partnership that will expand cancer services to the region, including the addition of a cancer center at the new Astera Health main campus in Wadena.

The 20,000-square-foot addition will be added to the west end of the new building. The project, which will include infusion, radiation oncology and supportive care, is estimated to cost $23.7 million and will be completed by spring of 2025.

Joel Beiswenger, CEO for Astera Health said, "Keeping care locally is important and cancer care is no exception. We are committed to improving the health of the communities we serve, and this cancer center does just that."

Kenneth Holmen, MD, CEO for CentraCare said, "For more than 20 years, CentraCare has partnered with Astera to serve the health care needs of the community. We are proud to deepen our relationship with Astera's excellent team to bring expanded services and expertise to residents of the region."

A work team consisting of CentraCare and Astera Health leaders will be finalizing operational details of the partnership. The project will be funded through a lease relationship with a not-for-profit financing agency as well as a capital campaign through donations and grants.

About Astera Health

Astera Health is a private, not-for-profit health care system based in Wadena. It offers care services such as primary health, surgery, cancer care, diagnostic imaging, obstetrics, orthopedics and rehabilitation. Astera Health operates a hospital and medical clinic in Wadena, and serves the counties of Wadena, Todd and Otter Tail through five satellite clinics and two physical therapy clinics in Bertha, Henning, Ottertail, Sebeka and Verndale.

About CentraCare

CentraCare is a St. Cloud-based not-for-profit health system that is committed to improving the health and well-being of people living in the Central Minnesota region. CentraCare provides care through hospitals located in St. Cloud, Long Prairie, Melrose, Monticello, Paynesville, Redwood Falls, Sauk Centre, Benson and Willmar, and provides both primary and specialty care throughout the region. With a focus on rural health care, CentraCare is one of the largest health systems in Minnesota and is proud to provide expert health care locally.