Loma Linda University Health officially launched “Stronger Together,” a $300 million initiative intended to support researchers’ efforts to find new treatments for those facing life’s most challenging diseases, expand the preparation of more skilled, compassionate healthcare workers, and enhance access to healthcare services for the Inland Empire’s residents, particularly for its children. Richard Hart, MD, DrPH, Loma Linda University Health president, made the campaign’s public announcement during an event at the Loma Linda University Church on February 28, 2024.

“This forward-looking initiative reflects our commitment to mission and presents a clear vision of how Loma Linda University Health’s continuing efforts in education, research, and healthcare will impact our region and the world,” said Hart.

Academic Innovations

Education is at the foundation of Loma Linda University Health, and its alumni serving locally and across the globe are recognized for their unique blend of expertise, compassion, and servant leadership. Providing preeminent healthcare education has been Loma Linda University’s mission since its founding. The university’s strong reputation for excellence will continue to grow through each of the eight school’s “Stronger Together” initiatives. Highlights include:

Expanding the facilities and student capacity of the School of Nursing, allowing Loma Linda University to address the region’s and nation’s critical nursing shortages.

Creating new clinical space for the School of Dentistry, allowing this flagship school to provide expanded services to the community while preparing students for future practices.

Enhancing student access through greater scholarship support and increased mentoring, service, and experiential learning—initiatives vital to supporting student academic success.

Research Advances

Significant investment in research is necessary to build on Loma Linda University Cancer Center’s pioneering work in preventing and treating cancer. The Inland Empire’s most vulnerable populations currently do not have access to leading cancer therapies. “Stronger Together” will support the construction of a major new cancer research and treatment center, a place that will serve as a catalyst for breakthrough research and highly personalized cancer treatment approaches. By researching and developing dynamic new treatments focused on the cellular level—targeted cell therapy, theranostics, and Boron Neutron Capture Therapy—Loma Linda University Cancer Center’s discoveries will contribute to significantly enhanced patient outcomes.

Healthcare Enhancements

Being the only children’s hospital serving more than 25% of the landmass of California and the region’s only Level 1 trauma center for children, Loma Linda University Health continues to develop new and better ways to meet the needs of our community’s growing children’s population. “Stronger Together” initiatives helping to achieve this vision include:

Opening a new Pediatric Outpatient Specialty Clinic, bringing together specialties and services to provide expanded access to much-needed outpatient care for our community’s tiniest, most fragile patients.

Funds will also support other critical needs across Children's Health

“A group of mission-minded donors have already pledged almost $95 million to ensure the vision for 'Stronger Together' becomes a reality,” said Rachelle Bussell, Senior Vice President of Advancement. “These individuals hope their generosity will inspire all to realize what is possible to accomplish together.”

“‘Stronger Together’ builds on Loma Linda University Health’s 120-year history as a faith-based academic healthcare institution, a place uniting healthcare, research discovery, and educational excellence on one campus,” Hart said. “When combined with our spiritual focus, Loma Linda offers a unique vantage point as we shape the future of healthcare. Support for ‘Stronger Together’ will allow us to build on our mission of sharing the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ.”

The original article was published on the Loma Linda University Health website.