2020 Maine Session Summary
Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care.
News
Volunteers Advocate for Quality of Life Bills
August 27, 2014
ACS CAN has established a Quality of Life Committee in Pennsylvania to encourage our members of Congress to advance federal legislation on palliative care. Among our requests is that Congressman Joe Pitts, whose district covers parts of Lancaster, Berks and Chester Counties and who chairs the Health Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, hold a hearing on the legislation. These bills are the Patient Centered Quality Care for Life Act (H.R.1666) and the Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (H.R. 1339).
Members of the committee include Valerie Pracilio, Mandy Newcomer, Debbie Jasinski, John Rebar, and Juliann Schwegler.
Palliative care is specialized medical care for people facing serious and chronic illness. It focuses on relief from symptoms, pain and stress – whatever the diagnosis. The goal is to improve the quality of life for both patient and family.
Palliative care is provided by a team that includes physicians, nurses and other specialists who work together with a patient’s own doctor to provide an extra layer of support. It is appropriate at any age and any stage in a serious illness and can be provided along with a curative treatment.