A Capitol Evening...CAN Make a Difference
The Inaugural American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) A Capitol Evening…CAN Make a Difference reception will be held on May 11, 2009 at the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building, from 5 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to:
-
Help us unite community leaders to ensure continued federal funding for lifesaving cancer research, prevention programs, and improved access to health care; and -
Help us raise dollars to support ACS CAN lobbying efforts to increase federal funding for cancer research.
The evening will include:
- Receptions in the Main Rotunda and East Wing Rotunda
- An opportunity to take part in a reception in an exclusive area of the Capitol
- The Inaugural Capitol Chefs Challenge, featuring an array of h'ors d'oeuvres from the region's top chefs
- The chance to mingle with Pennsylvania legislators and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Leadership
- Live Entertainment
We are losing ground in the fight to cure cancer; federal funding for cancer research has not kept pace with inflation. Promising young scientists are competing for fewer federal dollars, and may be forced out of the field.
Research funding cuts have economic implications as well. Pennsylvania is home to many of the nation’s top medical and research institutions. Continuing cutbacks will force Pennsylvania institutions to scale back research programs bringing lifesaving scientific progress to an abrupt halt, and eliminating jobs.
Increased federal funding for cancer research is an important priority for ACS CAN. As the Society’s advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN mobilizes Pennsylvania, Washington, and the nation to advocate for laws and policies that fight cancer.
Nonprofit and nonpartisan, ACS CAN is a voice for those who have been touched by cancer. Powered by a network of thousands of advocates whose efforts impact cancer public policy every day, ACS CAN is in a unique position to lead this team effort. We need your help both as an advocate and as a financial supporter.
The event is sponsored by Sanofi-aventis Pharmaceuticals.
For more information, please contact Cindy Gebhard at 717.533.6144 ext 3071 or cindy.gebhard@cancer.org.
2009 Advocacy Priorities
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) celebrated a number of victories in 2008, including the passage of clean indoor air legislation in Pennsylvania. In 2009, ACS CAN will plan to build on that success by advocating for the passage of legislation that advances the fight against cancer on four fronts: supporting research and programs that prevent, detect, and treat cancer; expanding access to quality cancer care, prevention, and awareness; reducing disparities in prevention and treatment; and reducing and preventing suffering from tobacco-related illness.
Research funding is an important issue that ACS CAN will address with the federal government. ACS CAN will advocate for increased funding for medical research through the National Institutes of Health and for cancer programs through the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
To reduce cancer disparities, ACS CAN plans to advocate for increased federal funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), which provides low-income, uninsured, and underinsured women access to lifesaving breast cancer screening tests and follow-up services. Currently, the program only has enough funding to provide tests for one in five eligible women. ACS CAN will also work to see the creation of a similar program to provide access to screening tests to detect colorectal cancer.
In Pennsylvania, access to care will continue to be a focus throughout the upcoming year. The American Cancer Society plans to monitor the implementation of the cancer drug repository in Pennsylvania, which will allow low-income cancer patients to receive unused cancer medication from other patients. In addition, volunteers and staff will work to improve Pennsylvania’s current pain policies to provide a greater quality of life for cancer patients. The Society will advocate for funding for the HealthyWoman program, which provides access to breast and cervical cancer screening tests and the creation of a similar program to support colorectal cancer screening in Pennsylvania.
Another important issue the Society plans to address are the exemptions in the Clean Indoor Air legislation that went into effect in September 2008. The Society will also work to establish a state tax on smokeless tobacco, cigars, and other non-cigarette products, as well as increase cigarette taxes in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania is currently the only state in the country without a tax on smokeless tobacco.
|
