Columbus, OH–June 22, 2017–This statement can be attributed to Jeff Stephens, director of government relations in Ohio for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“Today, State Representative Sarah LaTourette introduced legislation to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families through palliative care. ACS CAN commends the Representative for seeing an opportunity to improve patient quality of life after losing her father to cancer.
“Palliative care is specialized medical care for people with serious illnesses, and is focused on providing patients with relief from the stress and other symptoms that come along with a diagnosis such as cancer. It is appropriate at any age and for any stage of a disease. Most importantly, research indicates that palliative care systems increase health outcomes while reducing health care costs.
“Through her firsthand experience, Representative LaTourette saw the benefits of a well-run palliative care program. We urge her fellow state lawmakers to stand up for the health and quality of life of their constituents by supporting this legislation.
“Representative LaTourette’s legislation would create the Palliative Care and Quality of Life Interdisciplinary Council and to establish the Palliative Care Consumer and Professional Information and Education Program. It would also begin the development of helping health care facilities identify which patients and residents could benefit from palliative care.”
About ACS CAN
ACS CAN, the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, supports evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. ACS CAN works to encourage elected officials and candidates to make cancer a top national priority. ACS CAN gives ordinary people extraordinary power to fight cancer with the training and tools they need to make their voices heard. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.
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