PORTLAND, Ore.—Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death, and this year tobacco use will kill roughly 5,500 Oregonians. Tobacco use causes nearly 30% of all cancer deaths. The financial costs of tobacco to the state is substantial through health care costs and lost economic productivity, and the tobacco industry has a sordid history of targeting vulnerable populations, especially children, as well as communities of color and low-income families.
On Friday, October 25, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network hosts its annual policy forum, which will highlight Big Tobacco’s influence in the state and how Oregon lawmakers and policy experts are fighting back against the tobacco industry amid a crisis of youth e-cigarette use. Attendees will hear from experts about proven public policies to fight tobacco use, including the benefits of tobacco tax increases and effective tobacco prevention and cessation programs and services. U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer will deliver the keynote address, discussing the many tools policy makers implement to help reduce tobacco use.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit: https://www.fightcancer.org/events/2019-oregon-healthcare-policy-forum-luncheon.
WHAT: ACS CAN Oregon Cancer Policy Luncheon
WHEN: Friday, October 25, 2019; 11:30 a.m. registration; Noon – 1 p.m. program.
WHERE: Multnomah Athletic Club, Ainsworth/Lownesdale Room; 1849 SW Salmon St., Portland.
Media welcome before, during or immediately following event. To schedule interviews, contact Noe Baker at [email protected] or call 503-729-2919.
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.