Cottonwood, Arizona — Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) has announced plans to construct a comprehensive cancer center at its Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood. The new facility will consolidate all oncology services under one roof and improve access for patients across Verde Valley.
Bringing Cancer Care Closer to Patients
The center will offer 30,000 square feet of clinical care space. NAH intends to start construction in late winter or early spring 2026. Once open, the center will house many cancer services currently spread across the region, similar in scope to other major healthcare investments such as the planned $400 million Heritage Regional Medical Center. These include diagnostics, treatment, and support care.
Reducing Travel, Enhancing Convenience
NAH study data showed about 80% of current oncology patients will benefit from reduced travel distance once services move to Cottonwood instead of Sedona. For many patients, this means fewer road trips, lower costs, and less time away from home. Moreover, co-locating services near the hospital supports better coordination of care.
Project Factsheet – Cottonwood Cancer Center
Developer / Operator Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH)
Cost $40 Million
Location Verde Valley Medical Center, Cottonwood, Arizona
Clinical Space 30,000 square feet
Services Comprehensive oncology services under one roof
Construction Start Late winter / early spring 2026
Patient Impact 80% of patients to travel less than before
Regional Shift Closing Sedona oncology facility; grow Sedona campus later on
Care Model Co-location with hospital for better coordination
Boosting Recruitment and Quality of Care
By locating all oncology services next to the hospital, NAH hopes to recruit more oncologists and specialist staff. The center also aims to maintain high standards of care, with facility design that supports efficient workflows. Patients will benefit from modern equipment and a more seamless treatment experience. The integrated model supports holistic cancer management, from initial screening through follow-up.
Timeline & Future of Regional Healthcare
NAH committed to opening the center by 2026-2027, with construction starting around late winter 2026. After the new center opens, NAH plans to repurpose the Sedona oncology facility and explore growth for the Sedona campus in future years. This shift reflects NAH’s broader strategy to centralize specialized services and bring care closer to patients.
This center matters deeply. First, it improves access by lowering travel burdens for most cancer patients in Verde Valley. Second, it streamlines care, enabling coordination among specialists in diagnostics, therapy, and follow-up. Third, it has economic implications: construction jobs, local hiring, and the possibility of improved outcomes through modern care. Finally, it fits a growing trend in healthcare toward centralized, patient-centric facilities that reduce fragmentation and improve quality.
