Medford, OR – Rogue Regional Medical Center is moving forward with the third phase of its expansion project, aimed at improving access to life-saving cardiac services for the growing number of patients in Southern Oregon. The latest phase includes the construction of six new cardiac catheterization labs and 30 prep and recovery rooms, designed to support patients before and after cardiac procedures.
As the region’s leading provider of cardiac care, Rogue Regional recognizes the increasing demand for specialized services. “We are committed to meeting and surpassing the growing needs of our patients across the nine counties we serve,” said Brandon Mencini, CEO of Rogue Regional Medical Center and Ashland Community Hospital. “This expansion is critical to enhancing the care we provide to those in need of complex heart procedures.”
Cardiac catheterization procedures, commonly known as cath lab procedures, are used to diagnose and treat heart conditions without the need for open-heart surgery. During these procedures, doctors insert thin, flexible tubes into a blood vessel—typically through the wrist or groin—enabling them to place life-saving devices like stents, pacemakers, and valves. The catheterization labs also allow doctors to capture imaging of blocked arteries, providing valuable insights into a patient’s heart health. In 2024, Rogue Regional Medical Center performed over 1,700 of these procedures, including emergency ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) interventions and transaortic valve replacements (TAVR).
“Time is of the essence when it comes to heart emergencies,” said Kent Dauterman, Cardiologist with Southern Oregon Cardiology. “By expanding our capacity with more procedure rooms and recovery areas, we can ensure that more patients have access to the care they need, faster.”
The groundbreaking ceremony for the new cardiac expansion was recently held, with donors, medical staff, and community members celebrating the milestone. This expansion is part of the larger AsanteForward2030 initiative, which focuses on broadening the medical center’s capabilities and improving services for residents of Southern Oregon. Along with the cardiac care expansion, the Asante Foundation’s campaign also includes the renovation of the Family House in Grants Pass and upgrades to the inpatient Medical Oncology unit at Rogue Regional.
Andrea Reeder, Senior Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer for Asante, expressed her gratitude for the community’s support. “Thanks to the generosity of this community, Asante continues to grow its footprint and expand its services,” she said. “The opening of the pavilion last year marked a significant achievement, and now with the cardiac care expansion, we can provide even greater access to the highest level of heart care for our patients.”
AsanteForward2030 aims to strengthen and expand services, ensuring that local residents have access to the best possible care without the need to travel long distances for specialized treatment.
For more information about the cardiac care expansion and other initiatives under AsanteForward2030, visit the Asante Foundation’s campaign page at asantefoundation.org/campaign/cardiac-care/.