Award is an Honor Bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)
BOSTON – April 15, 2019– Earlier this month, Sen. Jason Lewis, Sen. Sal DiDomenico, Rep. Paul McMurtry, Rep. Hogan, Rep. Sean Garballey and former Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez were awarded the Distinguished Advocacy Award, a prestigious honor bestowed by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) in recognition of their leadership and commitment to strong public health policies around tobacco and other cancer issues.
The award is presented by ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, to select officials who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy. The select group of lawmakers received the award during a ceremony at ACS CAN's annual Day at the State House, which brought over 100 cancer survivors and advocates to Beacon Hill to lobby in support of cancer related policies. The 2019 event urged lawmakers to build on the work accomplished fighting Big Tobacco in previous legislative sessions, including a tax on electronic cigarettes, an increased cigar tax, and a ban on the sale of flavored tobacco products in the Commonwealth.
"The lawmakers being recognized by this award have been champions in protecting Massachusetts youth from the targeting of the tobacco industry. Together, they helped increase the statewide age of sale of tobacco from 18 to 21, and were instrumental in making the Commonwealth the first state in the nation to prohibit the sale of tobacco products in pharmacies and other healthcare institutions – an accomplishment that we will help current users quit smoking and prevent others from ever picking up the deadly addiction in the first place," said Marc Hymovitz, government relations director for ACS CAN. "These lawmakers' partnership with ACS CAN and dedication to keeping tobacco out of the hands of our youth have demonstrated an ongoing commitment to fighting cancer through public policy. We look forward to continuing to work together to save lives in Massachusetts."
ACS CAN applauds Sen. Lewis, Sen. DiDomenico, Rep. McMurtry, Rep. Hogan, Rep. Garballey and former Rep. Sanchez for their determination to enact meaningful legislation that benefits public health and saves lives from cancer across Massachusetts.
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (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, visit www.fightcancer.org
