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Casey O'Neill
Sr. Regional Media Advocacy Manager
New York Advocacy Team Recognized with National Award for Excellence in Cancer Advocacy
American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Award Honors Top State Advocacy Team of the Year
September 25, 2024
New York was recognized as the country’s top state advocacy team by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in honor of their exceptional work advocating for cancer-fighting public policies.
ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents this award to combined staff and volunteer teams that have worked together to make a significant impression in cancer-related public policy.
“This team of New Yorkers have shown incredible tenacity and persistence in their efforts on behalf of the people of New York in the fight against cancer,” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “They have done an incredible job of strengthening and adapting ACS CAN’s capacity and strategic campaigns in New York. ACS CAN is deeply grateful for their commitment to eliminating cancer as we know it for New Yorkers and all across the nation.”
Over the course of the 2023-24 legislative sessions, several hundreds of advocates with ACS CAN in New York helped to shepherd a number of victories for cancer patients, traveling to Albany to meet with their lawmakers on key issues. This includes but is not limited to:
- Improving access to biomarker testing by expanding coverage for New Yorkers insured through Medicaid and state-regulated health plans
- Securing additional funding for and thereby expanding the capabilities of the New York State Cancer Screening Program to screen more under- and un-insured New Yorkers for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer
- Increasing the state’s cigarette tax by $1.00 per pack
Additionally, advocates have helped shine a light on the high costs of cancer by highlighting how providing relief for families with medical debt and expanding access to paid family and medical leave through improvements to New York State’s Temporary Disability Insurance Program will help reduce the burden of disease in New York.
“This recognition is special because it acknowledges both the work of our fabulous ACS CAN staff and the voices of our dedicated volunteers. My fellow advocates and I are incredibly proud to advance the mission of ACS CAN in New York,” said Marcia Earle, New York State Lead Ambassador for ACS CAN. “As a cancer survivor and someone who has loved and lost people to this disease, I know what we’re up against. Cancer makes for a fierce opponent. It motivates me to keep returning to Albany and pushing for a robust legislative agenda that will help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
The award was presented last week as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 750 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and urge lawmakers to pass the Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.
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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.
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