The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation to Open Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at USC Norris
New Center to help increase access to vital services for underserved communities across Los Angeles area
Builds on Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation’s commitment to expand or open five cancer centers across America
NEW YORK, NY – October 9, 2023 – The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation today announced it has awarded a grant to the University of Southern California, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center ( USC Norris ) to open The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at USC Norris, which will be the third Ralph Lauren-named center and first on the West Coast. The Center, slated to open in Spring 2024, will be located within the USC Norris Cancer Center Hospital, helping to improve access to high-quality cancer screening services and timely treatment for underserved communities throughout the 10.4-million-person catchment area of Los Angeles.
As one of the first comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute, USC Norris has served the Los Angeles community for 50 years with services including screenings, treatment and survivorship. The new Ralph Lauren Center at USC Norris will increase access to high-quality cancer care, using a novel approach to patient navigation that focuses on social determinants of health that can influence care access and outcomes. Through a partnership with Los Angeles General Medical Center and three Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) with more than 12 sites in high-need areas of L.A. County, the Center will bridge the space between primary care (education and screening) and specialty care (follow-up screening and cancer treatment). In line with the USC Norris cancer center’s strategic priorities for cancer care, the Ralph Lauren Center will focus on addressing disparities in risk and outcomes for cancers of the cervix, breast, colon and lung.
“We’re honored that our USC Norris cancer center is the first named cancer center in California to be selected for this generous and transformational award,” said Carol L. Folt, President of the University of Southern California. “The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention’s goal of breaking down barriers to cancer treatment aligns with USC’s deep commitment to making health care more accessible and equitable. This award will greatly benefit those in our community and further our ‘moonshot’ goal of transforming USC Health Science.”
“We have made great progress since I made a commitment to the fight against cancer more than 30 years ago but there is more to do, and we will continue expanding our efforts to make meaningful change for patients, their families and communities. Around the country, from New York, to Washington, and now Los Angeles, we are working to reduce disparities in healthcare and improve access to high quality preventative care and treatment, making a real difference in the lives of the medically underserved,” said Ralph Lauren, Executive Chairman and Chief Creative Officer of Ralph Lauren Corporation and Chair of The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation. “USC Norris sits in the heart of the community, making it possible to reach those who need support the most.”
Last year, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation made a $25 million commitment in new grant funding to expand or establish five Ralph Lauren-named cancer centers in underserved communities across the United States. Recognized by the White House’s Cancer Moonshot initiative, the funding will benefit institutions that have a National Cancer Institute designation and are dedicated to overcoming disparities in healthcare and improving cancer outcomes in their communities – including the new Ralph Lauren Center at USC Norris; The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, D.C., which opened in April 2023; and Memorial Sloan Kettering Ralph Lauren Center in Harlem, N.Y., which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. In the coming years, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation will identify and select two additional grant recipients in collaboration with Conquer Cancer®, the ASCO Foundation.
About The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation
The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation works to make the dream of a better life reality by championing equity and empowering underserved communities around the world. Established in 2001, The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation is committed to making a difference across its core areas of focus: supporting cancer care and prevention, protecting the environment, fostering advocacy & access and strengthening community resilience. It hopes to deliver meaningful change in its communities through its nonprofit collaborations, grant funding and volunteering programs. For more information, please visit: https://corporate.ralphlauren.com/Foundation.
CONTACTS
Ralph Lauren Corporate Communications
RL-Press@RalphLauren.com
