Community Celebrates the Return of Local Dialysis Care

On a fall October afternoon, members of the Tillamook community gathered for something more meaningful than a ribbon cutting. It was a celebration of perseverance, partnership, and the deep belief that neighbors should never have to leave home to receive the care that keeps them alive. The newly reopened Tillamook Kidney Center, quietly serving patients again since July, officially opened its doors to applause, relief, and a sense of homecoming.

As guests filled the space, Adventist Health Tillamook President Eric Swanson stepped forward, visibly moved as he reflected on the journey that led to this moment. “Today represents what’s possible when a community refuses to settle for less than the best,” he said. “This is a perfect example of how vision, partnership, and perseverance can change lives right here where we are.”

A journey shaped by determination

When the former dialysis clinic closed in early 2024, everything changed for dozens of patients. Suddenly, a routine treatment became a multi-hour drive, sometimes on winter roads, always exhausting. Families rearranged schedules. Patients lost precious time, energy, and connection. It wasn’t just an inconvenience; it was a disruption to the rhythm of life.

Almost immediately, conversations began. Adventist Health Tillamook reached out to Dialysis Clinic, Inc. (DCI), a nonprofit known for its commitment to patient-centered dialysis care. DCI expressed interest right away, but starting over required navigating a full licensing process from scratch. As months passed, the community held on. Patients kept making long trips. Loved ones waited and worried. And behind the scenes, teams worked tirelessly.

Local leaders, including Senator Suzanne Weber, Representative Cyrus Javadi, and members of Oregon’s congressional delegation, kept the issue front and center, ensuring the need for a center in Tillamook was never forgotten. Their advocacy helped move the permitting process forward until, finally, the green light appeared. In July, the first patients walked into the dialysis center once again.

A celebration of home, hope, and healing

At the ceremony, Swanson paused to acknowledge two people who helped keep the effort alive: Mike, a dialysis patient, and his wife Sharon. Their honesty about the emotional and physical toll of losing local access underscored exactly why the center mattered. “Patients can now receive their care right here at home,” Swanson shared, “surrounded by familiar faces, their family and friends, and all their support networks. It’s about restoring time, energy, and dignity in people’s lives.”

Commissioner Mary Faith Bell offered her own testimony, sharing the story of a friend who faced unimaginable challenges when forced to travel for care. Her words reminded everyone present that behind every policy conversation is a person with a life, a family, and a story.

Representative Javadi spoke of his and Senator Weber’s determination to prevent this from happening again, and how new legislation will help communities reopen dialysis centers more quickly in the future.

And then, with evident emotion, DCI Senior Operations Director Sharon Marti told the crowd what it meant to her team to be entrusted with this work: “We’re just grateful to be part of this community and to serve these patients. That’s what we do this for.”

A new chapter begins

As the ribbon fell and guests toured the bright, welcoming space, the story of the Tillamook Kidney Center shifted from hardship to hope. It is a story of community advocacy, organizational partnership, and the belief that healthcare should be close, compassionate, and accessible to all.

Most of all, it is a reminder that when Tillamook County comes together, extraordinary things happen — one ribbon, one patient, one restored sense of dignity at a time.

The need for community support continues as the center seeks funding for additional equipment and state-required improvements. To make a difference, please visit AdventistHealthTillamook.org/GiveToday