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
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