ACS CAN Mourns Loss of Rep. Elijah Cummings, Longtime Health Advocate

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Today, longtime health advocate Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD) died at the age of 68.

The following statement can be attributed to John Hoctor, managing director of government relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN): 

“We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Congressman Elijah Cummings. This is a tremendous loss for Maryland, our country and the fight against cancer. 

“Just this year, Rep. Cummings helped introduce legislation aimed at decreasing disparities in access to clinical trials. He was also tremendously supportive of our public health work on tobacco, access to care, health equity issues, and routinely supported funding increases for the National Institute of Health. 

“He is a lawmaker who put his heart and soul into his work, not only to better the lives of the people of Maryland but all Americans. 

“We are grateful for his work and commitment to our cause during his time in Congress.
 
“Our thoughts are with his family and constituents. He will be greatly missed.”

###

About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.