State-of-the-art facility brings cancer care closer to home for East Texas patients
(LONGVIEW, Texas) – CHRISTUS Health celebrated the opening of the CHRISTUS Cancer Center in Longview today with a ribbon-cutting and blessing ceremony, marking a major milestone in the advancement and accessibility of cancer care across East Texas.
The nearly $40 million facility will open to patients on Monday, Oct. 5.
“We have spent the last several years building an oncology program designed around the needs of East Texas patients and families,” said Todd Hancock, president and chief executive officer of CHRISTUS Good Shepherd Health System. “The opening of the CHRISTUS Cancer Center fulfills our commitment to provide exceptional cancer care close to home with the latest technology, a multidisciplinary approach and compassionate, personal support for every patient we serve.”
The cancer center is the result of CHRISTUS Health’s significant investment in oncology services for patients throughout the Longview area. Earlier this year, CHRISTUS opened a specialty oncology clinic at the NorthPark campus, installed advanced cancer treatment technology and recruited world-class physicians and specialists, including Dr. Steven J. DiBiase, who serves as medical director of the CHRISTUS Cancer Center.
“This opportunity was really special for me, to come into a program that is bringing in the best physicians, the best nurses and the best help,” DiBiase said. “It is fulfilling to see the program growing and excited for what we can accomplish for cancer care.””
Located on the CHRISTUS NorthPark campus, the approximately 35,000-square-foot facility brings together a full spectrum of cancer services under one roof, including medical and radiation oncology, infusion therapy, advanced imaging, laboratory services, pharmacy support, clinical research and other diagnostic and therapeutic services. The integrated model allows patients to receive coordinated care throughout their cancer journey.
The facility will employ more than 60 full-time CHRISTUS Associates.
The project was made possible in part by strong philanthropic support from the Longview community, which played a vital role in bringing the vision for the center to reality.
“The generosity of our Longview community continues to make a meaningful difference for patients and families facing cancer,” said Scott Fossey, regional director of philanthropy for CHRISTUS Health. “Through philanthropic support, we can enhance access to advanced technology, innovative treatments and compassionate care close to home. Every gift helps strengthen cancer services and brings hope to those who need it most.”
As cancer rates continue to impact East Texas communities at disproportionately high levels, CHRISTUS leaders say the center will help improve access to advanced treatment options while reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for care.
“With this opening, world-class cancer care is no longer something patients have to leave East Texas to find,” Hancock said. “It is now available right here at home.”
