MEDFORD, Ore. (Jul. 25, 2026) — Asante’s decision to close two outpatient physical therapy clinics in Southern Oregon has sparked a public dispute between the Oregon Nurses Association and state Rep. Dwayne Yunker, with each side offering sharply different explanations for why the services are being eliminated.
Asante announced it will permanently discontinue outpatient physical therapy services at its clinics in Medford and Grants Pass, with both locations closing Aug. 28, 2026. The health system said the move is part of a broader effort to address ongoing financial challenges and refocus resources on core hospital and specialty services. Patients currently receiving care at the clinics are being notified and assisted with transitioning to other providers or available Asante services where appropriate.
The closures will eliminate outpatient rehabilitation services that help patients recover from surgeries, strokes, injuries and other medical conditions. Physical therapists at the clinics provide treatment designed to restore mobility, reduce pain and improve patients’ ability to perform daily activities.
Following the announcement, the Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) accused Yunker, R-Grants Pass, of siding with Asante executives rather than frontline healthcare workers.
The union said Asante has continued reducing services while executives receive substantial compensation, describing the closure of the Medford and Grants Pass physical therapy clinics as another example of the health system putting finances ahead of patient care.
“Physical therapists and staff at these clinics help Southern Oregonians regain the ability to walk, work and care for their families,” the union said, adding that the services are essential to helping patients recover from illnesses and injuries while maintaining their independence.
The ONA called on Asante leadership to stop reducing healthcare services and instead work collaboratively with nurses and other healthcare professionals to improve patient care across Southern Oregon.
“Southern Oregonians, including Representative Yunker’s constituents, deserve leaders who will stand with working families, not corporate healthcare interests,” the union said.
Yunker blamed the closures on policies enacted by Oregon’s Democratic majority, arguing that state regulations and labor mandates have made it increasingly difficult for healthcare providers to remain financially viable.
“Oregon Democrats have created a toxic, anti-business, and anti-health care provider environment in our state,” Yunker said in a statement.
He also criticized the Oregon Nurses Association, arguing the organization has become a political advocacy group and contending that state-mandated nurse staffing ratios and other regulations have significantly increased operating costs for hospitals.
“The result of this left-wing political scheming is playing out right here in Grants Pass and Medford: our access to care is crumbling,” Yunker said. “When a vital community safety net like Asante is forced to slash core outpatient services just to survive these state-generated financial headwinds, it is the patients in Southern Oregon who ultimately pay the price.”
The exchange highlights the broader debate over Oregon’s healthcare system. Labor organizations argue staffing standards improve patient safety and working conditions, while many hospitals and Republican lawmakers contend that increasing regulatory requirements and financial pressures have contributed to service reductions.
The Medford and Grants Pass outpatient physical therapy clinics are scheduled to close on Aug. 28, after which patients will need to seek rehabilitation services through other providers or remaining available Asante programs.
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