Center for Ministry Formation

Paducah cancer center

When asked to provide a story about the Mercy Health - Paducah Cancer Center, I was thrilled to highlight this exciting project and all that it means to the local community, and our ministry.  This facility truly does embody our Mission and Values at Bon Secours Mercy Health to extend good care to our communities and do so in a sustainable and financially responsible way. 

The team was challenged from the beginning: deliver a facility that supports not only the best cancer care services and providers in the region, but to do it in a way that is flexible, modern, and will serve the community for years to come.  The overarching goal from day one has been to make the patients and their families feel like they are at home by providing comfort, ease of access, and control of their environment, all while meeting financial constraints of the current economy and the ministry budget.  This was no easy task, and forced the entire team to be creative, looking at the approach in an entirely different way.  The result came in the form of a 19,400 sq. ft. facility, complete with 21 private exam rooms, 17 infusion bays with 5 private infusion rooms, on site chemistry lab, and a full USP 800 pharmacy, as well as efficiently designed staff support space and a community resource room.  A thoughtful design toward easy navigation and wayfinding will ensure that there are no added stressors to an already difficult time in our patients’ lives.  As beautiful as the facility itself will be, the setting around it is what makes this place of healing so special.  Nestled at the top of an existing site overlooking acres of green space and mature trees, complete with a walking trail around the site, patients and visitors will feel a true connection to nature and experience a calming environment. 

Although there are numerous facilities around the country that boast the same ideas and qualities, what makes the Paducah Cancer Center unique is that it is fully supported by a geo-thermal heating and cooling system, as well as several other energy efficiency strategies, highlighting the ministry’s commitment to the environment.  The system is comprised of 36 wells drilled 400’ deep into the earth with over 6 miles of piping to provide heating and cooling of the facility at a fraction of the cost of traditional systems.  This provides a projected Energy Star rating of 99 which, on a national level, places the Paducah Cancer Center in a league of its own.  The facility is projected to save approximately $35,000 per year in utility expenses and consume a fraction of the energy of a typical building of its size and use.  Through the support of a very involved and forward-thinking leadership team, critical decisions were made quickly and concisely to allow this facility to lead the way in not only patient care, but environmental sustainability as well.  The facility is expected to complete construction in summer of 2024, with the first patient following shortly after.  

While the center is under construction, the Mercy Health Foundation Lourdes has undertaken a $1 million campaign to raise funds to support cancer patients.  In a new approach, these funds will only be used for direct patient needs, not to underwrite the construction of the facility.  These needs include free cold cap therapy, nutrition services, transportation assistance, physical and occupational therapy specialized for cancer patients, social work, financial counseling, and new technology advances as they become available. Donors have rallied and responded to support cancer patients and provide “good help” to those in need in their community.