MONTGOMERY, AL – August 3, 2023 – The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) has joined efforts with the historic St. Paul AME Church to call on Gov. Kay Ivey to extend life-saving health care coverage to 220,000 Alabamians. The church, where Rosa Parks once worshipped, will host a film screening of “Requiring Justice: Faith & the Coverage Gap” Sunday, August 6, at 12:30 p.m. The film discusses the faith community’s dedication to addressing the health care crisis in Alabama. The event comes as momentum builds in the state for Medicaid expansion to help people access preventive and life-saving health care and help struggling rural hospitals remain open.
“The best study we have of the financial impact of expanding Medicaid here in Alabama concluded that in the coming six years, Alabama’s treasury would take in $1 billion more than we spent by expanding Medicaid,” says Rev. Fisher Humphreys in the film.
“It is immoral and it is wrong,” says Rev. Carolyn Foster of the state’s continual resistance to expansion.
WHAT: The five-minute film is a part of ACS CAN’s Medicaid Covers US project which aims to bring together decision-makers, community members and the public to dialogue about the critical services Medicaid provides through storytelling.
WHO: The screening will be followed by a panel discussion with Rep. Phillip Ensler of Alabama House District 74, Jane Adams, Alabama Government Relations Director for ACS CAN and Pres Harris, Organizing Director for Alabama Arise. Adams will also be available for interviews.
WHERE: St. Paul AME Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, Montgomery, AL
WHEN: Sunday, August 6, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.
###
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.