Statement from Michele Bonan, regional advocacy director for the American Cancer Society of New York & New Jersey, in response to today’s State of the City address:
“We said we’d make New York City healthier than ever…. we did.” Mayor Bloomberg raised this important and valid point in today’s State of the City address. The ongoing efforts made by his administration to better public health have been effective across the board. Despite being one of the most densely populated cities in America, we are also one of the healthiest.
Yesterday, the American Cancer Society released updated guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for cancer prevention. The report includes updated recommendations for individual choices regarding diet and physical activity patterns, but emphasizes that those choices occur within a community context that can either help or hinder healthy behaviors. Mayor Bloomberg’s administration has consistently been a helping force for the New York City community. Policy initiatives, including prioritizing access to cancer screenings, calorie information at restaurants, graphic point-of-sale cigarette warnings and free nicotine patches, have given New Yorkers the tools they need to live longer, healthier lives.
The American Cancer Society applauds Mayor Bloomberg for these efforts, and we’ll continue to work with him on progressive measures for better public health.
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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.