Dearborn County approves third $250,000 installment to St. Elizabeth Cancer Center

Dearborn County Council voted to release the third of four pledged $250,000 installments to the St. Elizabeth Cancer Center, a decision officials said will continue local access to cancer care and community screening programs.

EJ McLadlin, joined by staff and patients from St. Elizabeth, told the council the county’s prior pledge helped bring treatment closer to residents. Patient Celeste Calo said the center eased the burden of travel during treatment and called the facility “a gift,” adding that local access reduced stress for patients and families.

Terry Boen, director at the Dearborn Cancer Center, provided usage figures to illustrate demand: “over 5,000 infusions” and “over 3,000 radiation treatments in 2025,” and more than 104,000 patient encounters overall. Boen said the center has increased no‑cost mammograms and mobile screening outreach, and is planning a September melanoma screening clinic.

Several local survivors and volunteers reinforced the appeal for continued county support. Jan Tyler, a 27‑year survivor, and patients Amy Bulock and Mara Ziggler described shorter travel times for treatment and consistently compassionate care.

The council member who moved the payment noted the county had pledged a total of $1 million to be paid over four years; this vote authorizes the third installment. The motion passed on a voice vote. Staff said the payments are part of the county’s previously adopted pledge schedule and paperwork will be completed for signatures.

What’s next: the approved payment represents the third scheduled disbursement tied to the earlier pledge; council members did not propose changes to the payment schedule during the meeting.