Closer to Home: A New Era of Cancer Care in Rural Minnesota
Ribbon Cutting (left to right): Joel Beiswenger, Dr. Holmen, Paul Drange, Joanna Slominski, and Raye Ludovissie, Wadena Chamber of Commerce and Star Bank.
United in hope and shared purpose, CentraCare and Astera Health team members, board members, and local community members gathered at Astera Health Hospital in Wadena on July 8 to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Astera Health/CentraCare - Coborn Cancer Center. Together, they marked the beginning of a partnership dedicated to bringing expert cancer care closer to home for this rural community.
The idea for this collaboration took root several years ago, born from a shared commitment to strengthen cancer care in the region.
"What started as a conversation in early 2021, during our strategic planning at Astera, quickly revealed an opportunity to enhance cancer services in our region — specifically by offering comprehensive care, including radiation oncology," said Joel Beiswenger, President and Chief Executive Officer of Astera Health. "We knew we could provide better care, closer to home, for our cancer patients. We embraced that opportunity and reached out to CentraCare, which led to the creation of the Astera Health/CentraCare - Coborn Cancer Center."
Speakers: Dr. Holmen alongside (left to right) Joel Beiswenger, Astera Health President and CEO; Paul Drange, Astera Health Board Chair; Joanna Slominski, General Manager, Mortenson Construction
Together, Astera Health and CentraCare turned this vision into reality by combining their expertise and resources. The new cancer center offers comprehensive services — from radiation oncology to infusion therapy — ensuring patients can receive advanced, coordinated cancer care without leaving the region. For patients and families, it means less travel, more time at home, and compassionate support from a team deeply rooted in the community.
"Community is what keeps us together. It's the idea that by being together, we can better care for each other," said Ken Holmen, MD, President and CEO of CentraCare. "This sense of community shapes how we deliver health care: great care from great people, the right care at the right time and place — and care that's close to home. There's nothing more difficult than facing cancer and having to travel miles and miles for treatment. Our deep, shared commitment to providing quality cancer care close to home truly defines what community means to us."
This shared vision of keeping care local and centered around patients is what brought CentraCare and Astera Health together. By combining their strengths and expertise, the two organizations created a partnership greater than the sum of their parts, one designed to meet the region's needs now and into the future.
Equipment inside the new facility
"I've been asked many times what makes this cancer center different from others in the region, and the answer is simple: it's the partnership," added Beiswenger. "Astera brings high-value care, a hometown feel, and a personal touch. CentraCare brings all of that too, plus an extraordinary level of technical expertise. Their 50 years of cancer experience simply can't be duplicated."
Beyond the new building and advanced technology, the heart of this partnership is the promise it holds for patients and families in the region. the Astera Health/CentraCare - Coborn Cancer Center will ease the cancer journey by shortening travel time and delivering advanced, coordinated care closer to home. For the rural communities it serves, this center represents not just treatment, but hope, connection, and the comfort of care delivered by people who truly understand their community. The cancer center welcomed its first patients to the facility on July 14, 2025.
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