2021 Nevada 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 Nevadans 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 Nevada State Legislature 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 funding for the Women’s Health Connection (WHC) program, the state breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment program for low-income uninsured and underinsured women administered by the Department of Health and Human Services Nevada Division of Public Health and Behavioral Health (DPBH).

Colorectal Cancer: ACS CAN will work to secure state funding for the Colon Cancer Control Program.  This program aims to ensure Nevadans have access to critical early detection screenings along with case management and improved access to treatment.

Reducing the Toll of Tobacco

Investing in Nevada’s tobacco prevention and cessation programs is crucial to prevent kids from starting to use tobacco and help adults already addicted to tobacco to quit

Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Funding: ACS CAN will work to fund and sustain evidence-based, statewide tobacco use prevention and cessation programs at $3.5 million.

Medicaid Funding

Medicaid: ACS CAN Nevada will advocate for low-income individuals and families to have continued access to health insurance coverage through state Medicaid programs. We will support policies that preserve funding and access to Medicaid for traditional and newly eligible enrollees.

For more information, contact: Brook Carlisle, Nevada Government Relations Director
[email protected] | 801.493.4719

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.

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network • www.fightcancer.org/Nevada