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Bill Mills has always had Harrisonville's best interests at heart. As a businessman, civic volunteer and former mayor, he has continually invested in the strength and vitality of the community. Late last year, when asked by leaders at Cass Regional Medical Center to consider a charitable investment in the future of cancer and rheumatology care at the medical center, he didn't hesitate.

"The community has been so good to me and my family that it seemed a perfect way to give back, when Cass Regional approached me about this project," said Mills.
Mills'$250,000 gift to Cass Regional Medical Center Foundation will be used to underwrite construction of the Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center. The center will be constructed on the first floor of the hospital, and the present treatment area will expand from what was previously known as the Specialists Clinic into the corridor that extends along the windows facing the Healing Garden.

More space for patients

Infusion therapy capacity will expand from five bays to eight bays and from two private infusion rooms to three rooms, one of which will be designated for patients requiring isolation.

Two new exam rooms will be added, increasing the number of rooms to six, and an additional shared provider office will be built. The space will also include an office for the patient navigator, who is a resource for newly diagnosed cancer patients as they embark on their treatment journey.

Becoming the best

"Cass Regional has been blessed by this extremely generous gift from the Mills family," said oncologist/hematologist Jaswinder Singh, MD, who leads the cancer care team at Cass Regional. “Our staff will continue to provide comprehensive, caring treatment. And now, through support like this, we will be able to focus efforts on making our equipment and facilities the best they can be. Gifts like this one help us on our journey to realizing this goal for Cass Regional,” Dr. Singh explained.

"This is a very exciting time for the rheumatology clinic at Cass Regional," added rheumatologist Kevin Latinis, MD, PhD. "We have grown to serve the community with two providers and a full complement of excellent nurses and infusion services. Our growth has mirrored the growth in oncology, and we definitely have a need for increased clinic and infusion space. We are very thankful to Mr. Mills and proud to be a part of the Mills Cancer and Rheumatology Center."

Easing stress during cancer treatment

Work on the new center is scheduled to begin in March 2022, with completion in the second half of 2023. The project will be done in phases so that patient care can continue uninterrupted.

"I have always used Cass Regional for my health care needs when possible," Mills added. "To be part of expanding services to ease the stress and manageability of cancer and related treatment is rewarding, and I hope my gift will bring great benefit to the area."

Categories: Community stories