U.S. Senate Confirms Jay Bhattacharya as Director of the National Institutes of Health
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate voted to confirm Jay Bhattacharya, MD, PhD, as the new director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Eagan, Minn.—Both major candidates for Minnesota’s 7th Congressional District, former Lt. Gov. Michelle Fischbach and Rep. Collin Peterson, have met virtually with cancer patients, survivors and volunteer advocates to discuss policies and issues that are critical to fighting cancer. The meetings were part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Cancer Votes campaign—the nation’s leading voter education program informing the public and candidates about the actions lawmakers should take to make fighting cancer a national priority.
“Cancer touches everyone. Just this year, more than 33,000 Minnesotans will hear the words ‘you have cancer’. Our elected officials have the power to help our family, friends and neighbors prevent and fight cancer through good policy,” said Sharon Erpestad, Windom resident and volunteer for ACS CAN Minnesota.
Throughout the campaign season, ACS CAN calls on Minnesota’s major 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts candidates to state their position on cancer issues such as cancer research funding and access to health care, including rural cancer care.
Specifically, candidates for the 7th Congressional District seat are being asked the following questions:
“Unfortunately, your zip code, race and income still play a major role in whether you survive this disease,” said Kayla Hawkinson, Chokio resident and volunteer for ACS CAN Minnesota. “Cancer mortality rates, for example, remain higher in rural versus urban areas. It’s important for voters to know the candidates’ plans to address these disparities.”
View the conversation with former Lt. Gov. Fischbach on Friday.
ACS CAN is strictly non-partisan and does not endorse, oppose, or contribute to any candidate or political party.