Approximately 100 cancer survivors, caregivers and their families from across the state will gather in Springfield next week to ask lawmakers to support cancer-fighting public policies.
The visit is part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s annual Day at the Capitol. Throughout the day, advocates will meet with their legislators and ask them to increase the state’s tobacco taxes and create more choices for patients.
Lawmakers play a critical role in passing public health policies like these that prevent cancer. A $1-per-pack increase in Illinois’ cigarette tax is expected to reduce youth smoking by 11 percent and prevent 21,000 premature, smoking-caused deaths. Additionally, a bill currently before the General Assembly would create more health plan choices for cancer patients to help them access their medication and empower them to plan for future treatment.
Media are invited to meet volunteers at ACS CAN’s morning training session. Spokespeople will be available for comment.
WHO: 100 cancer patients, survivors and ACS CAN volunteers
WHAT: ACS CAN Day at the Capitol
Morning Training Session
WHERE: Michael J. Howlett Building, Auditorium
501 S. 2nd St., Springfield
WHEN: Wednesday, May 1
10 – 11 a.m.
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) is making cancer a top priority for public officials and candidates at the federal, state and local levels. ACS CAN empowers advocates across the country to make their voices heard and influence evidence-based public policy change as well as legislative and regulatory solutions that will reduce the cancer burden. As the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN is critical to the fight for a world without cancer. For more information, visit www.fightcancer.org.