Advanced Care Pavilion Investment Will Help Expand Cancer Care

Adventist Health Bakersfield celebrated a significant milestone for its Advanced Care Pavilion with a grant presentation from Bank of America, recognizing a shared commitment to expanding access to advanced cancer and specialty care for families throughout Central California.

Expanding access to care close to home

Currently under construction adjacent to the Adventist Health AIS Cancer Center in Bakersfield, the Advanced Care Pavilion is a 20,000 square-foot facility designed to bring cancer treatment, specialty care, and comprehensive patient support together in one convenient location. The pavilion will expand access to coordinated care and help patients receive the services they need close to home.

"Our mission at Adventist Health is to help the community members we serve experience more health, wholeness, and hope," said Jason Wells, president of Adventist Health Central California Network. "The Advanced Care Pavilion represents our commitment to investing in the future of healthcare for our region, expanding cancer treatment, coordinated specialty care, and comprehensive support for patients and families who deserve access to high-quality care."

A more seamless patient experience

The pavilion is designed to simplify what can often be a complex healthcare journey. Patients will be able to access a range of services under one roof, including imaging and diagnostics, specialty consultations, treatment planning, infusion therapy, and preventive screenings. By bringing physicians, specialists, and support services together, the pavilion will help reduce delays in care and improve the overall patient experience.

In addition to expanding oncology services, the pavilion will support a variety of specialties, including gastroenterology, urology, breast care, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopedics, neurology and spine care, cardiothoracic surgery, and colorectal surgery consultations. The facility will also feature a Rapid Care Oncology Clinic, which will provide same-day care for treatment-related side effects, helping patients avoid unnecessary visits to the emergency room.

A personal connection to exceptional care

During the celebration, Karen Zuber, president of Bank of America Bakersfield, spoke about the importance of investing in healthcare in Kern County and the profound impact quality care can have on families. She shared a personal connection, recalling how her son was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic and received lifesaving care from physicians, nurses, and the oncology team. Their expertise, compassion, and support helped guide her family through one of the most difficult times in their lives.

"Bank of America is proud to support the Advanced Care Pavilion because access to quality healthcare is one of the most important investments we can make," said Zuber. "This project reflects what is possible when organizations come together around a shared vision to strengthen lives, expand opportunities, and build a healthier future for our community."

Zuber also highlighted the pavilion's role in strengthening the local healthcare workforce by helping attract and retain physicians, specialists, and other healthcare professionals while expanding services that many residents have historically needed to seek outside of the region.

Looking ahead

The pavilion, which is expected to be complete at the end of 2026, will serve thousands of patients each year, adding specialty-trained physicians, expanding infusion services, and offering advanced treatment options, including precision medicine, genetic testing, and clinical research opportunities. The project is part of Adventist Health's ongoing effort to ensure patients throughout Central California have access to world-class care without leaving their communities.

Learn more about the Advanced Care Pavilion.