Easton Doctor of Nursing and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Ambassador Receives Abeloff Award for Excellence in Public Health and Cancer Control from Maryland Department of Health
Dr. Michele Williams has received the 2017 Martin D. Abeloff Award for Excellence in Public Health and Cancer Control from the Maryland Department of Health Center for Cancer Prevention and Control for her contributions to cancer control and public health through patient care and public health policy advocacy. The award was announced at 24th Annual Maryland State Council on Cancer Control Cancer Conference held on November 15, 2017 at Anne Arundel Medical Center. Dr. Williams is an associate medical director for Talbot Hospice, an esteemed health care provider at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center and an ACS CAN (American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network) ambassador.
The Abeloff Award:
In 2007, the Maryland State Cancer Council lost one if its most distinguished long-time members, Dr. Martin D. Abeloff, to leukemia. He was a renowned medical oncologist and researcher and was always compassionate and devoted to his patients, colleagues and public service. To honor his legacy and achievements each year during the annual conference, the council presents an individual with the Abeloff Award to recognize advancements made in cancer control practices that influence the public health statewide and ultimately on a national and/or global scale.
Background on Dr. Michele Williams:
As a doctor of nursing practice and an oncology palliative care nurse practitioner, Michele Williams, DNP, CRNP, provides care to cancer patients at the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health Regional Cancer Center in Easton. Board certified in both oncology and pain management, she has been in practice for more than 35 years.
In July 2017, Dr. Williams implemented a new lung cancer screening protocol at the UM Shore Regional Health with promising results. The screening aims to detect lung disease at its earliest, most treatable stages using low-dose computed tomography in hope of reducing the rate of lung cancer in high risk patients on the Eastern Shore.
In the policy arena, Dr. Williams has made significant contributions through volunteer leadership positions nationally and statewide. She serves as chair of the Maryland Upper Eastern Shore Oncology Nurses Society Chapter, Maryland state co-lead ambassador for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) and ambassador lead for the 1st U.S. Congressional District for ACS CAN. In her ACS CAN positions, she leads ACS CAN volunteers in efforts to encourage lawmakers and candidates to make cancer a national priority.
Advocating as the voice for cancer patients, Dr. Williams and her team of volunteers call, write, and meet with their local, state and federal lawmakers urging them to support evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. The state issues include: studying delivery of palliative care in Maryland’s health care facilities, protecting state funding for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, protecting Maryland’s Clean Indoor Air Act, increasing funding for the state’s Tobacco Control and Prevention programs, and expanding access to health care. The federal issues include: increasing funding at NCI for cancer research, funding prevention and early detection programs, creating palliative care training programs, and ensuring and protecting access to health care. Dr. Williams and her volunteer team have been interviewed about key cancer-related issues numerous times by local newspapers and TV news.
Dr. Williams also volunteers in leadership roles with the American Cancer Society (ACS). She was recognized by her community with the Talbot County Hometown Hero Award for her work as chair of the ACS fundraiser Colors of Cancer. Dr. Williams serves on the executive leadership team for the ACS Relay For Life of Talbot County, raising funds for valuable patient services and education programs in her community and for cancer research. Annually, she coordinates a reception celebrating cancer survivors and their caregivers.
About the American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of nearly 2 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.
About the Maryland State Council on Cancer Control:
The Maryland State Council on Cancer Control educates and advises government officials, public and private organizations, and the general public on existing and possible policies, programs and innovations to reduce and control cancer incidence and mortality among Marylanders, as described in the Maryland Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan. The council is comprised of eight representatives from state agencies and institutions, 15 members appointed by the Governor to represent the general public, business community and health and scientific disciplines, cancer survivors and others concerned with cancer prevention and control and two representatives from the Maryland General Assembly.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.