(Nov. 8, 2024) Adventist Health Tillamook, in partnership with Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI), announces a soon-to-be reopened dialysis clinic located at 1000 3rd Street in Tillamook, Oregon. The clinic, formerly operated by U.S. Renal Care, will now operate under the name “Tillamook Kidney Center,” emphasizing its commitment to community-centered care.
In support of the clinic’s re-establishment, Adventist Health Tillamook has launched a philanthropy campaign to help DCI cover $75,000 in equipment and supply needs to restart clinic operations. DCI has already committed eight newer dialysis chairs from one of their other locations, which will create a welcoming environment for returning patients. Donations to support this essential community effort can be made at AdventistHealthTillamook.org.
While an official opening date has not yet been determined, the goal is to have all necessary elements in place for a potential opening as early as late November or December, pending regulatory approval. All past patients will be directly contacted by DCI as soon as a confirmed opening date is available. Many local patients are currently traveling significant distances to the Willamette Valley for their dialysis treatments, underscoring the community’s urgent need for a local dialysis option.
DCI, a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1971, operates over 240 locations across 29 states, providing care for patients at various stages of kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease, dialysis and transplant services. “Naming the clinic Tillamook Kidney Center celebrates its importance to the community,” said Doug Johnson, MD, Vice-Chairman of the Board at DCI.
While the opening of the new Tillamook Kidney Center is tentatively scheduled, recruitment of clinic staff is well underway. Key staff, including Medical Director Dr. Nicole Kemper from Northwest Renal Clinic, have been secured to ensure high-quality patient care from the start.
“This fresh community solution restoring a dialysis clinic in Tillamook is exactly why I hold town halls in every nook and cranny of Oregon,” said Senator Ron Wyden. “Tillamook County residents came to my town hall earlier this year shortly after the existing clinic closed to advocate for the restoration of these much-needed rural healthcare services locally. They noted powerfully and poignantly how the local closure would force older community members to drive an hour or more three times a week for the dialysis they need to live. I’m glad the teamwork with them has led to this new clinic and grateful to Eric Swanson, the Adventist Health team, and DCI for stepping in to fill this vital local health care need.”
U.S. Renal Care, the previous tenant of the space, has generously donated equipment for the facility, highlighting their ongoing commitment to the community. Tillamook Kidney Center will be operated independently by Dialysis Clinic, Inc., which will lease the space from Adventist Health Tillamook at no cost. “We worked hard to find the right fit for our community,” said Eric Swanson, President of Adventist Health Tillamook. He continues, “We’re only the landlord in this situation, but we were able to identify the perfect partner to deliver essential kidney care for the well-being of our community.”
For more information about Dialysis Clinic, Inc., and its services, please visit DCIinc.org.