Healey Signs Bill to Address Breast Cancer Screening Inequities
Legislation will eliminate costly barriers to follow up breast cancer screening
Attorney General Keith Ellison Receives National Distinguished Advocacy Award for Holding Big Tobacco Accountable in Minnesota
Award is Highest Honor Presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
September 19, 2024
St. Paul, Minn. – Attorney General Keith Ellison received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contribution to protecting Minnesotans from the harms of commercial tobacco, the cause of roughly 30% of all cancer deaths.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select elected officials who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.
“Attorney General Ellison has been an extraordinary champion for health equity, cancer prevention and treatment, and making Minnesota a healthier state for all,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “His efforts to take on the tobacco industry have not only resulted in secured funding for tobacco prevention and treatment programs, they have also set a precedent in prioritizing the health and wellbeing of Minnesotans. ACS CAN looks forward to continuing to work with Attorney General Ellison on behalf of all who live, work and visit Minnesota.”
Attorney General Ellison also championed medical debt relief during the 2024 Minnesota Legislative session. According to an ACS CAN survey, nearly half of cancer patients and survivors surveyed (47%) have had medical debt related to their cancer. Minnesota’s action on medical debt will provide real relief to cancer patients, survivors, and their families.
"Medical debt shouldn't be a lifelong side effect of cancer," said ACS CAN Minnesota volunteer and cancer survivor, Jenn Schultz. "Because of Attorney General Ellison's advocacy, Minnesota expanded patient protections around medical debt."
The award was presented on Sept. 18 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and urge lawmakers to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, 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 advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
More Press Releases About