2021 Delaware Legislative Priorities

Victory in the fight against cancer requires bold new public policies that promote cancer prevention, early detection of cancer, and expand access to quality, affordable health care. Lawmakers make many decisions that impact the lives of Delawareans touched by cancer and their leadership is vital to defeating this disease. In 2021, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) will work with the Delaware General Assembly on legislative and regulatory efforts that address disruption in cancer care and screenings; provide affordable, adequate access to healthcare insurance including Medicaid; as well appropriations funding for lifesaving cancer screening and prevention policies that help people that use tobacco products quit and deter kids from ever using tobacco products. We will be making the following evidence-based policies a priority and ask for your support:

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

• Breast and Cervical Cancer: ACS CAN will advocate to maintain level funding of $550,000.00 for Delaware’s Screening for Life program, the state breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment program for low-income uninsured and underinsured women administered by the Delaware Department of Health.

Reducing the Toll of Tobacco

• Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding:  ACS CAN will work to fund and sustain evidence-based, statewide tobacco use prevention and cessation programs at $7 million. This will keep Delaware at over 50% of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and prevention recommended guidelines.
• Ending the Sale of Menthol Cigarettes and All Other Flavored Tobacco Products including E-cigarettes: The aggressive use of flavors and marketing tactics by the tobacco industry, rapid increased use of flavored products by youth and young adults, and under regulation of these products requires the public health community to take action to protect youth and young adults, and the public health at-large.  ACS CAN will advocate to end the sale of menthol cigarettes and all other flavored tobacco products.
  
  For more information, contact: Jocelyn Collins, Delaware, Maryland and DC Government Relations Director, ACS CAN  Email: [email protected] Phone: 301-254-007

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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 please visit www.fightcancer.org.