Northern Arizona Healthcare Breaks Ground on New Cancer Center

The new centralized cancer center will be located on the Verde Valley Medical Center campus in Cottonwood.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 5:03pm

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Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on March 25, 2026 for its new, centralized cancer center on the Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC) campus in Cottonwood, Arizona. The 30,000-square-foot facility will incorporate all cancer services under one roof and is expected to be completed by fall 2027.

Why it matters

The new cancer center will provide more convenient and comprehensive cancer care for residents of northern Arizona, who previously had to travel to Tucson or other distant locations for certain treatments. The centralized facility will also allow NAH to better coordinate patient care and leverage its medical expertise.

The details

The groundbreaking event featured speeches from NAH leadership, local officials, a former patient, and medical providers. They shared stories about the importance of accessible cancer care in the region and the positive impact the new center will have on the community. During construction, the public walking trail on the VVMC campus will remain open, although it will be shortened.

  • The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 25, 2026.
  • NAH anticipates construction to be complete by fall of 2027.

The players

Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH)

A regional healthcare provider serving northern Arizona, including the Verde Valley area.

Verde Valley Medical Center (VVMC)

A hospital campus operated by NAH in Cottonwood, Arizona, where the new cancer center will be located.

Bo Cofield

The Chief Operating Officer of Northern Arizona Healthcare.

Ann Shaw

The Mayor of Cottonwood, Arizona.

Doug Von Gausig

A former patient of the Cancer Centers of NAH.

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What they’re saying

“I'm passionate about taking care of my patients.”

— Deborah Lindquist, MD, NAH medical oncologist and hematologist

“My grandparents were born in Jerome Hospital 100 years ago, and my brother was diagnosed with cancer 20 years ago and had to travel down to Tucson to get treatment.”

— Tarra Young, NAH advanced oncology nurse practitioner

“I'm grateful to the medical providers who treated me throughout my toughest times.”

— Doug Von Gausig, Former patient of the Cancer Centers of NAH

What’s next

NAH anticipates construction to be complete by fall of 2027. To learn more about cancer services at NAH, please visit https://www.nahealth.com/cancer-centers/.

The takeaway

The new centralized cancer center will provide more convenient and comprehensive cancer care for residents of northern Arizona, allowing NAH to better coordinate patient care and leverage its medical expertise in the region.