We have had some very important developments already this year in three of our states:
Arkansas
After five years of the stateξBreast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Programξin Arkansas declining in the number of women they serve, theξprogram expects an increase of services to 30-40% more women this fiscal year.ξ Because of our leadership and efforts to educate lawmakers about this issue, the Arkansas Department of Health made internal funding and staff changes to address the issues and is committed to vast improvements.
Kentucky
Governor Beshear's budget included $1 million for colon cancer screenings.ξThis isξthe first significant funding for the program, which was passed several years ago but never funded. The budget also protects current funding levels for the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program.
Tennessee
Governor Haslam's budget for next year maintains the full $1 million-plus in state funding for the Breastξand Cervical Cancer Screening Program. This is especially significant because virtually every other health program will experience cuts due to budget shortfalls. Volunteers sent more than 200 messages last week requesting this funding and they are now flooding his office with thank you messages.
After months of delay and hard negotiations, Congress has finally passed a funding bill! The bill includes a small increase for cancer research and prevention programs.