Concord, NH – In the coming weeks, the New Hampshire Legislature will convene for the 2022 session and consider legislation that would undermine vaccine requirements.
The below statement is on behalf of Mike Rollo, New Hampshire director of Government Relations for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“Thousands of Granite Staters with chronic illnesses and their families are concerned about the action being sought by the legislature in the upcoming session, particularly given that New Hampshire is currently experiencing the highest per capita rates of COVID-19 infection. Vaccine requirements help protect immunocompromised patients, including kids, and blocking businesses and organizations as well as cities and towns from enacting these policies jeopardizes the health of patients and their families and silences their voices.
“As a public health organization dedicated to improving the lives of cancer patients and survivors, the health and safety of the patients we serve is our top priority. We oppose efforts like these that undermine evidence-based, public health policies and endanger those with chronic illnesses.
“The continued threat of COVID-19 to Granite Staters with chronic illnesses and their families is real and abundant. Many patients with chronic illness, include those who have had a cancer diagnosis, also face a greater risk of complications or death from COVID-19. That’s one reason why it’s critical for as many people to be vaccinated as possible.
“Meanwhile, many with chronic conditions such as cancer are delaying essential care because of the pandemic. Public health measures like vaccine requirements play an important role in reducing the risk of COVID-19 to cancer patients and other immunocompromised people.
“For the good of all Granite Staters, including cancer patients and survivors, ACS CAN urges the Legislature to reject these proposals that undermine vaccine requirements. Instead, we urge policymakers who care about the health of New Hampshire to support proven public health strategies, including vaccine requirements and the right of local elected officials to enact similar protective policies for their constituents.”
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About ACS CAN at 20
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.