DEVOTED TO HEALTHFUL LIVING COMPASS FALL 2026 CMH is fortunate to have a highly qualified breast imaging team to screen the community for breast cancer. Pictured are (left to right): Christiane Hayes, lead mammography technologist; Grace Helton, ultrasound technologist; Margeaux Berroth, MD, breast and general radiologist; Farrah King, lead ultrasound technologist; Wendy Kestler, mammography technologist; and Makayla Matthews, mammography technologist. Not pictured: Al Pakalniskis, MD, breast and general radiologist. Early detection saves lives: Caring for the community with cancer screenings
2 HEALTH COMPASS Fall 2026 Cancer screenings save lives in our community Nicole Williams, COO and Assistant CEO Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in America. When cancer is detected early, it is often easier to treat. That’s why it’s important to know the early signs of cancer and when you should start recommended screenings. Next year, we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative. When it opened, it expanded CMH’s existing chemotherapy services and brought much-needed radiation therapy services to the North Coast. The partnership was the first of its kind for the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, and it continues to provide the region with convenient access to the most advanced cancer care available. Clatsop County has higher rates of lung cancer than other counties in Oregon and across the United States. CMH offers screenings and tests used to detect lung, breast, prostate and colon cancers. We’re proud to offer leading-edge treatment options at the Cancer Collaborative, but we want to reach patients before they need those. Screenings can find signs of cancer early, when treatment may be more successful, and they can even help prevent it. Our highly trained teams are dedicated to bringing you personalized care, ensuring your comfort and empowering you with information. If you’re at a higher risk for cancer, a screening may save your life. Talk to your primary care provider about your risk and screening options today. Learn more about the cancer screenings available at CMH by reading this issue of the Health Compass. Nominate a nurse for the DAISY Award Each year, nurses around the world are nominated for The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. The DAISY Award was developed to honor and celebrate nurses with extraordinary clinical skills and compassionate care, who go above and beyond for their patients. Over 2,400 health care facilities across the U.S. and 14 other countries use The DAISY Award. Columbia Memorial Hospital is proud to have honored more than 15 nurses since 2021 with a DAISY Award, and we know there are many others within CMH who should be recognized. If you have witnessed a nurse who has gone above and beyond, we encourage you to nominate them by visiting columbiamemorial.org/daisy. Share your gratitude and the story of how a nurse influenced your care by being compassionate, skilled and extraordinary!
COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Fall 2026 3 FEMA restores $20 million grant for CMH resiliency measures Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant completes construction budget for BuildCMH Expansion Project CMH is thrilled to share that BRIC grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been restored. “This $20 million grant completes the BuildCMH Expansion Project budget and ensures that our community will receive a fully resilient, modern health care facility,” says Erik Thorsen, CEO. In August 2023, after a rigorous national competition, CMH was selected for a $20 million FEMA BRIC grant to help achieve resiliency goals outlined in the BuildCMH Expansion Project plans. The BRIC funds were to help offset the cost of constructing a deeppile foundation and a tsunami vertical evacuation structure (TVERS) capable of accommodating 1,900 people. The project plans include locating critical infrastructure, generators and the helipad on the roof of the new hospital — important features that will help ensure the facility can remain operational when the community needs it most. In April 2025, FEMA informed CMH that the entire BRIC grant program, including the previously awarded grant, had been canceled, leaving CMH without the promised $20 million in funding. Seeing it through CMH made the decision to continue the construction of the resiliency features in the expansion. At the same time, it continued working tirelessly with federal, state and local government representatives to restore the grant funding. At long last, those persistent efforts have paid off. FEMA has restored the full portion of the BRIC grant. “CMH wishes to express its sincerest appreciation to Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, Sen. Jeff Merkley, Sen. Ron Wyden, Rep. Cliff Bentz, Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, Oregon State Rep. Cyrus Javadi, Oregon State Sen. Suzanne Weber, former State Sen. Betsy Johnson, the members of the Oregon Ways and Means Committee, and all our locally elected officials for their unwavering support and tireless efforts to secure these funds,” Thorsen says. “We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and commitment to the safety and resilience of our community.” Weatherproofing continues through the end of the year By the end of the year, the building should be weathertight, with windows, roof and siding completed. By April of next year, we anticipate the first floor will be nearly complete, though we will have to wait until the end of summer for substantial completion of the building’s interior. We are hopeful we will see the first patients in the building in early 2028. BUILDCMH UPDATE Have more questions? Visit columbiamemorial.org/buildcmh.
4 HEALTH COMPASS Fall 2026 CMH-OHSU KNIGHT CANCER COLLABORATIVE A first-of-its-kind partnership For nearly a decade, the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative has provided comprehensive cancer treatment to North Coast residents, making oncology care and radiation therapy accessible locally. Prior to its opening, cancer patients had to travel an hour or more to receive radiation therapy. With the help of many, CMH’s cancer care grew from a single room in the hospital at its start to a full-service cancer treatment center and specialty clinic. The Cancer Collaborative, a first-of-its-kind partnership with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, opened in October 2017. The $16 million, 19,600-square-foot facility expanded CMH’s existing medical oncology and chemotherapy treatment services, and OHSU provided state-of-the-art equipment and radiation therapy services, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for expert cancer care. A decade of impact Since opening its doors, the Cancer Collaborative has seen patients for over 35,000 oncology visits and more than 71,000 radiation and infusion treatments. It has also received accreditations from the Commission on Cancer and the American College of Radiology, demonstrating its commitment to providing datainformed, high-quality care to patients. “Our collaboration with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute is a significant enhancement to the health care services available to our community,” says Erik Thorsen, CEO of CMH. “We are working to bridge the gaps in accessible health care services locally. Our partnership with OHSU aims to continue bringing medical excellence to the North Coast without the miles.” Medical and radiation oncologists work with a robust caregiver team under the same roof, offering care of the highest quality. If a patient needs more specialized treatment, CMH coordinates with a provider at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland for a seamless transfer of care, while continuing to navigate their ongoing needs close to home. The Cancer Collaborative has brought hope and support to patients and families for the past nine years — and will continue to do so for years to come. Cancer screenings at CMH Cancer touches so many. It’s important to know the signs and when to start screening. When cancer is detected early, it can often be easier to treat. CMH offers screenings and tests used to detect common diseases such as lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers. Screenings can find signs of cancer early, when treatment may be more successful, and they can even help prevent it. If you are at a higher risk of cancer, a screening may save your life. Speak with your primary care provider about your risk and screening options today. Advancing cancer care, together
COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Fall 2026 5 Clinical study explores test to help detect cancer sooner The REACH Study is being offered at CMH. This study, conducted by the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute in Portland, aims to see if a simple blood test can find cancer early. The test was developed by GRAIL Inc., a health care company dedicated to detecting cancer early. Its test, called the Galleri or multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test, can detect DNA “signals” from more than 50 cancers before symptoms start to appear. The Cancer Collaborative in Astoria is among five Oregon enrollment locations for the REACH Study. What to expect The study is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Participants typically receive their results within 30 days of their appointment. The blood test is not intended to replace cancer screening tests your provider may recommend, such as a colonoscopy or mammogram. You can join the REACH Study if you: ● Are insured by Medicare or Medicare Advantage ● Are age 50 or older ● Have never been diagnosed with cancer or have been cancer-free at least three years You are not eligible if you have had a previous MCED test and received the results of that test. Interested in joining the REACH Study? ● Visit ohsu.edu/knight-cancer-institute/cedar/ join-reach-study-find-cancer-early to learn more. ● Call the study team with questions at 971-509-4716. Scan to check your eligibility for the REACH Study or visit ohsu.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_etUAyUSgvVHxpEW. Highlighting our team From the smiling customer care representatives greeting patients at first arrival to the medical assistants, nurses, radiation therapists, pharmacists, providers and others coordinating their care, the team at the Cancer Collaborative works hard to provide state-of-the-art cancer treatments to our patients on the North Coast. Nicole Scharer, PharmD, Pharmacist Melissa Bilyeu, Radiation Oncology Manager and Radiation Therapist Peter Grauff, Customer Care Representative III Anja Goerke, Radiation Oncology Nurse Anastazia England, Customer Care Representative II Candice Murphy, Radiation Oncology Medical Assistant Sarunas Sliesoraitis, DO, PharmD, Medical Oncologist Jessica Rasmussen, Infusion Services Nurse Sarah McClelland, Infusion Services Medical Assistant Sharon Knachel, Interim Infusion Services Manager and Nurse
6 HEALTH COMPASS Fall 2026 Meet Dr. Ram, medical oncologist Jeyanthi Ramanarayanan, MD, (Dr. Ram) joined the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative as the medical director of medical oncology in February 2026. Dr. Ram is board-certified in hematology and medical oncology. “I moved to the region to be closer to family in Washington,” she says. “I chose the job at CMH as it aligns with my professional goals and career contentment. “Here, with OHSU, I have direct access to technology, academic expertise and clinical trials. I can use these resources remotely, connect with patients in the small-town hospital at a personal level and foster a long-lasting, trusting relationship to improve care.” Focused on the future of cancer care Dr. Ram earned her MBBS (bachelor’s of medicine, bachelor’s of surgery) degree from Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute in Porur, Chennai, India, and her doctor of medicine degree from Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University, also in Chennai. She completed an internal medicine internship and residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in Jersey City, New Jersey, and fellowships in hematology with the University at Buffalo and Erie County Medical Center in Buffalo, New York, and in medical oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, also in Buffalo. Dr. Ram has contributed numerous publications to advance scientific understanding of cancer research and is especially interested in cancer screening, early detection, improving access to immunotherapy and targeted treatments in rural communities, and precision medicine clinical trials. “Dr. Ram brings an incredible depth of knowledge and expertise to our Cancer Center, and we are fortunate to have her leading our medical oncology program,” says Jeanette Schacher, director of the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative. “What makes her such a tremendous asset to CMH is not only her commitment to providing exceptional, personalized cancer care, but also her vision for what is possible through the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative. “She has played an important role in strengthening our partnership with OHSU and helping us bring the expertise, resources and opportunities closer to the patients we serve here on the North Coast. Her leadership is helping us continue to build a cancer program that provides our community with increasingly advanced care, while maintaining the personal connection that is so important to our patients.” Learn what to expect at the Cancer Collaborative Visit columbiamemorial.org/cancer-care to learn what you can expect as a patient at the Cancer Collaborative in Astoria.
COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION COLUMBIAMEMORIAL.ORG Fall 2026 7 Connecting with neighbors Sharing the vision for the BuildCMH Expansion Project This summer, the CMH Foundation connected directly with the community at Cannery Loft Condominiums, where CMH Board of Trustees member Jean Danforth generously hosted an event that invited residents to learn about the BuildCMH Expansion Project. During the presentation, residents received a comprehensive look at: ● Our 15-year organizational growth ● Our vital collaboration with Oregon Health & Science University in Portland ● Enhanced medical treatment capabilities ● Critical resiliency features of the new facility Attendees asked insightful questions about construction timelines and explored meaningful ways to get involved. It was an excellent conversation that highlighted how much our neighbors value the future of regional health care. Invite CMH to speak to your group We want to share this exciting vision with as many community members as possible. If you belong to a local business group, homeowners’ association, service club or social organization, we would love to present to you. To schedule a presentation for your group: ● Email foundationinfo@columbiamemorial.org. ● Call Mark Kujala, executive director of the CMH Foundation, at 503-338-7505.
COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL 2111 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103 Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Salem, OR Permit No. 86 Cover photo by Lexie Cerk, CMH Marketing Coordinator II. CMH HEALTH COMPASS is published as a community service by COLUMBIA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, a Planetree Gold-Certified Pesrson-Centered Care Facility. 2111 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103, telephone 503-325-4321, website: columbiamemorial.org For information about CMH HEALTH COMPASS: Sarah Bello, MBA, Director of Communications CAPT. Doug Kaup President, Board of Trustees Erik Thorsen, MBA, CPA, FACHE Chief Executive Officer Nicole Williams, MPA, FACHE Chief Operating Officer/ Assistant CEO Jimmy Heilman, MD, MBA Chief Medical Officer Brandon Parker, MBA, CPA Chief Financial Officer Information in CMH HEALTH COMPASS comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Jennifer Peach-Guzmán, RN, BSN, MBA Vice President, Patient Care Services Jarrod Karnofski, DPT, ATC, MSHCA Vice President, Ancillary and Support Services Christopher Laman, PharmD, MBA , FACHE Vice President, Strategy Nicole Perez, BSHA, MSITM Vice President, Health Information Services Doug Mays, MHA Vice President, Facilities, Security and Environmental Care Meet a CMH provider Kathleen “Kathy” Bilak, PA-C, CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative Why did you choose your medical specialty? I chose to practice radiation oncology because it offers the opportunity to build long-term relationships with cancer patients and their families. It entails following the patient while they are receiving treatment and continuing to monitor them in follow-up, often for years, which is a privilege. What do you enjoy most about your work? There is never a dull moment. Multidisciplinary collaboration and advances in cancer care keep us on our toes. I also really appreciate the radiation oncology team’s approach. Honestly, a patient can’t be treated unless everyone is at the top of their game. What is the most challenging aspect of your work? One of the biggest challenges is coping as an individual and as a team when a patient passes. We just need to remember that it is a privilege to do this work. What does person-centered care mean to you? To me, person-centered care means not just focusing on the disease process. It means that we must consider a patient’s human needs in the emotional, social and spiritual context. That is what comprises the best treatment plan. Is there anything else you’d like to share with patients or the community? I am delighted to be a part of this Cancer Center, hospital and community. If the Cancer Center’s services are necessary for a patient, then I am thankful to be involved in their care. Pediatrics The CMH-OHSU Health Pediatric Clinic offers: ● Well-child checkups ● Sports physicals ● Same-day visits for illnesses ● Immunizations ● Developmental screenings and education ● Car seat checks Make an appointment with a pediatric provider today! Astoria: 503-325-7337 Seaside: 503-738-3002 Expert cancer care is close to home Learn more about the services available at the CMH-OHSU Knight Cancer Collaborative at columbiamemorial.org/cancer-care.
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