Cherokee Nation contributes $8 million to planned Mercy-Fort Smith cancer center

The Cherokee Nation on Thursday (Feb. 13) announced an $8 million contribution to Mercy-Fort Smith for its planned cancer center. The hospital system has been relatively quiet about the planned center since first confirming it in July 2022.

Tahlequah, Okla.-based The Cherokee Nation announced $16 million in “strategic partnerships” with Mercy-Fort Smith and the University of Oklahoma Health Stephenson Center Center in Tulsa. Each entity will receive $8 million to fund cancer treatment centers.

“Cherokee Nation Health Services diagnoses nearly 400 new cancer cases per year, and we know that having treatment facilities within 60 miles of our citizens significantly increases their chances of survival,” Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., said in the statement. “This investment ensures more hope and opportunity for our tribal citizens who need cancer care.”

According to the Cherokee press release, Mercy’s oncology services in Fort Smith has more than 25,000 patient visits annually, and more than 5,000 residents in its service area are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. The Cherokee Nation said the planned expanded services in Fort Smith will more than double the number of oncology services providers, add surgical oncology specialists, allow for the use of new technology and improve patient access.

“Mercy’s vision is to keep patients close to home while receiving care, which aligns with the Cherokee Nation’s focus and continued investment in the health and well-being of its citizens,” said Ryan Gehrig, president of Mercy Arkansas Communities. “Fort Smith and the surrounding communities will benefit for years to come from this collaboration between Mercy and the Cherokee Nation, which will help address the needs of cancer patients by expanding access and enhancing the care that’s currently available. We look forward to working together on a common goal: to improve the overall health and quality of care for local residents.”

The press release did not include information on when Mercy would begin to expand its cancer treatment services or begin work on a new facility. Mercy’s Fort Smith oncology services are now located in space behind the hospital’s labor and delivery center.

Gehrig confirmed in July 2022 that Mercy is planning to build a cancer center in Fort Smith. His statement came after St. Louis-based Mercy said that part of a $500 million expansion in Northwest Arkansas will include a modern cancer center in that metro area.

In January 2024 the Fort Smith Planning Commission approved rezoning of property at 8100 Phoenix Ave., for a planned Mercy cancer center. The 9.79-acre site is located west of the Whataburger location and across Phoenix near Mercy’s Orthopedic Hospital. According to Planning Commission documents, the rezoning allows “development of a two-story 111,000 s.f. (square foot) multi-specialty medical clinic along with the other uses listed within the land use chart.”

The Cherokee Nation has more than 460,000 citizens, and it has 11,000 employees in its tribal enterprises ranging from aerospace and defense to entertainment. The Nation is one of the largest employers in northeastern Oklahoma and is the largest tribal nation in the United States.

Talk Business & Politics has sought more information from Mercy and will update this story when possible.