Phoenix, Ariz. — The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) announces three new members and the newly-elected leadership officers to the Board of Directors, including Dr. David O. Garcia.
A University of Arizona Cancer Center researcher, David O. Garcia, PhD, FACSM, has been named to the Board of Directors of ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate for the American Cancer Society (ACS). As a member of the Board, Dr. Garcia will provide leadership and guidance for ACS CAN, which pursues evidence-based public policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem nationwide. His term begins on Jan. 1, 2022.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., ACS CAN mobilizes grassroots volunteers across the country to educate elected officials on critically important cancer-fighting policies and shape the outcome of local, state and federal legislation that saves lives through support for cancer research, prevention and treatments.
“As demonstrated by his extensive experience and knowledge in public health and preventable disease, Dr. Garcia will bring a critical perspective when he begins his term on ACS CAN’s Board,” said ACS CAN President Lisa Lacasse. “We share his passion for improving health outcomes for all communities and know Dr. Garcia’s background will provide significant value to ACS CAN’s ongoing work to support evidence-based laws and regulations that will reduce the cancer burden.”
As a member of the ACS CAN Board, Dr. Garcia will help lead this work by strategically engaging elected officials at every level of government to influence public policies that intend to impact the cancer burden and eliminate disparities in cancer and health outcomes.
“It is a tremendous honor to serve in this role. There are significant health inequities present in communities driven by social determinants of health, including access to care. I hope to help others understand how these factors impact cancer prevention and treatment efforts, particularly for underserved communities”, said Dr. Garcia. “Ultimately, my goal is to serve as a voice for those who have felt unheard and to reduce the cancer burden for those communities.”
Dr. Garcia is an Associate Professor at Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona and has extensive experience in physical activity, diet and weight management. Dr. Garcia also serves as assistant director for the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s Office of Community Outreach and Engagement, where he examines the burden of obesity-related diseases and cancers in Mexican-origin adults, expertise that he will leverage when advocating for policymakers to pursue public policies aimed at reducing cancer disparities.
