WVU Medicine breaks ground on WVU Cancer Institute St. Joseph Regional Cancer Complex

WVU Medicine officially marked the beginning of a new era in cancer care for the Ohio Valley with a ceremonial groundbreaking for the WVU Cancer Institute St. Joseph Regional Cancer Complex in downtown Wheeling. The event signifies the launch of an approximately $120 million investment aimed at expanding access to advanced, comprehensive cancer services close to home.

Community members, health system employees, local leaders, and regional partners gathered on the site of the future complex to celebrate the milestone and look ahead to the impact it will have for generations to come. The project represents one of the most significant healthcare investments in the region’s history and reinforces WVU Medicine’s long-term commitment to serving the people of the Ohio Valley.

The ceremony was headlined by WVU Health System President and CEO Albert Wright, who spoke to the vision behind the project and the importance of delivering high-quality, cutting-edge cancer care in the communities where patients live and work.

“This is about ensuring that patients and families across the Ohio Valley have access to the very best cancer care without having to leave home,” Wright said. “We are building more than a facility—we are building a future where advanced treatment, compassionate care, and hope are all within reach.”

Once complete, the WVU Cancer Institute St. Joseph Regional Cancer Complex will bring together a comprehensive range of services under one roof, including medical oncology, radiation oncology, physical therapy, and specialized laboratory and imaging services. The integrated design will allow for a more coordinated, patient-centered approach to care, improving both outcomes and the overall patient experience.

For patients facing a cancer diagnosis, the ability to receive care locally can make a profound difference—not only medically, but emotionally and financially. By expanding access to specialized services in Wheeling, WVU Medicine is helping reduce the burden of travel and ensuring that patients can remain close to their families, support systems, and communities during treatment.

Douglass Harrison, WVU Medicine North Region president and Wheeling Hospital CEO, emphasized the broader impact of the project on the region.

“This is a transformational project for the city of Wheeling and our region,” Harrison said. “Keeping this site as a site of healing and hope is important to us, and we’re very excited to get this project underway.”

The location itself carries deep significance for the community, continuing a longstanding legacy of care on the site while reimagining it for the future. The new complex will serve as a cornerstone for continued growth in healthcare services, economic development, and community revitalization in downtown Wheeling.

The success of the project is the result of strong collaboration across multiple partners. WVU Medicine extended special thanks to the City of Wheeling, the Ohio County Commission, and the boards of directors for Reynolds Memorial Hospital and Wheeling Hospital for their leadership and support in bringing the vision to life.