LCMC Health partners with LSU for historic investment in cancer care and educational programs

Partnership includes pursuit of National Cancer Institute Designation and STEM education and research

LCMC Health is proud to announce a committed investment of $75 million to Louisiana State University (LSU) over the next five years for cancer research and treatment for patients and revolutionary STEM education programs for future healthcare professionals. The investment will help transform healthcare in the region by offering enhanced care and access for cancer patients and additional resources and training for students.

LCMC Health, together with LSU, is pursuing the first and only National Cancer Institute (NCI) Designation in the region to support families and communities impacted by cancer. The NCI Cancer Centers Program is one of the anchors of the nation’s cancer research efforts, recognizing centers around the country that meet rigorous standards for developing new and better approaches to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. This historic NCI designation will revolutionize cancer research and treatment and optimize outcomes for patients in Louisiana and surrounding areas. LCMC Health is also committing resources to support and supplement healthcare training and education, ensuring sustainable talent for the state’s healthcare industry.

“LCMC Health is proud of our nearly seven-decade partnership with LSU and energized by this extraordinary opportunity to expand our work together,” said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. “Our missions are aligned in teaching, research, and discovery to improve the health and well-being of Louisiana. We are confident that this partnership will improve the quality of cancer care in Louisiana, and through research and innovation, contribute to enhanced cancer breakthroughs worldwide.”

According to the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Statistics Center, Louisiana has the fifth highest all cancer mortality rate in the nation, with more than 218 per 100,000 Louisianans dying from the disease annually.* LCMC Health and LSU is expanding cancer care with this NCI designation, ultimately impacting outcomes for patients and families.

This investment builds on a longstanding partnership between LSU and LCMC Health and echoes the health system’s dedication to serving the unique needs of communities and families across New Orleans, the Gulf South, and beyond. As LSU’s lead clinical partner in the vision for ascending the LSU Health New Orleans-LCMC Health Cancer Center to an NCI-Designated Cancer Center, LCMC Health is dedicating:

• An initial $50 million commitment to develop world-class, multidisciplinary cancer care and clinical research programs driven toward earning NCI designation for Louisiana.
• $10 million to develop a scholarship fund focused on addressing nursing and allied health workforce needs in Louisiana.

• $10 million toward the Our Lady of the Lake Interdisciplinary Science Building, which will create a world-class waypoint for scientific inquiry, discovery, and collaboration.

• $5 million to establish a cancer-focused research fund directed by the LSU president.

“The NCI designation will continue the efforts of LCMC Health and LSU Health Science Center in New Orleans in evolving cancer care in Louisiana with an intense concentration on research and innovation,” said John H. Stewart, IV, MD, Founding Director of the LSU-LCMC Health Cancer Center. “Together, we are focused on providing more extensive treatment plans and easier access for all patients, maximizing outcomes and enhancing quality of life for everyone involved. We look forward to building on our longstanding relationship and actively improving healthcare in our communities.”

This healthcare endeavor is part of a $245 million collaboration with LCMC Health, LSU, and Our Lady of the Lake, making it the largest investment in LSU history.