Healey Signs Bill to Address Breast Cancer Screening Inequities
Legislation will eliminate costly barriers to follow up breast cancer screening
Michelle Zimmerman
Associate Director, Regional Media Advocacy
Legislation Puts Louisianans at Risk, Undermines Proven Health Strategies
Leading National Health Organizations Support Employer-Led Requirements to Keep Patients and Communities Safe
May 19, 2022
BATON ROUGE, LA – Senate Bill 92 would undermine employers’ ability to implement protective vaccine requirements. With more than 17,000 Louisianans having died of COVID-19, lawmakers should support workplace safety by encouraging vaccinations – not limiting them.
As leading national health organizations whose top priority is the safety of those with cancer and other chronic illnesses, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, The American Lung Association and The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society released the following statements in opposition to these efforts:
“The prohibitions in this bill would slow, perhaps even prevent, the protection of cancer patients, even where it is needed most – in health care settings. Legislation that undermines employer vaccination requirements will impede our ability to protect our constituents who are already facing a life-threatening illness.” – Alice Kline, Louisiana government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
“Our public policies should focus on encouraging Louisianans to get vaccinated. Millions of Americans have received their COVID-19 vaccines, and the evidence is clear that they reduce the risk of hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19, as well as the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.” – Ashley Lyerly, senior director, advocacy for the American Lung Association.
“Cancer survivors with weakened immune systems are counting on their neighbors to get vaccinated and reduce the spread of COVID-19. As variants continue to evolve and spread, we need more folks to get vaccinated — not fewer. Legislation that stands in the way of that will put vulnerable Louisianans at risk.” – Dana Bacon, government affairs director for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
We urge our state legislature to promote proven public health strategies to protect the health and safety of all Louisianans by encouraging everyone to get vaccinated and boosted.
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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.
About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the coveted 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold-Level GuideStar Member, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is a global leader in the fight against cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world, provides free information and support services, and is the voice for all blood cancer patients seeking access to quality, affordable, coordinated care. Learn more at www.lls.org.
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