JEFFERSON CITY, MO – The unpredictable and dynamic nature of COVID-19 is no match for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) volunteers’ steadfast commitment. Because of the virus and the elevated risk for those with compromised immune systems, cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers from across the state traveled virtually to the state capitol yesterday to meet with Missouri lawmakers.
“Cancer hasn’t stopped. So, neither will we. As a cancer survivor, I let my lawmakers know if we’re going to eliminate cancer as a major health problem in Missouri, this goal must be top of mind for our legislature,” said Allison Johnson, ACS CAN Missouri state lead ambassador. “By improving access to care, we can reduce suffering and death from this disease.”
Specifically, the Missouri volunteers asked the legislature to:
Fund Expansion of MO Healthnet, Missouri’s Medicaid Program: honor Missouri voters’ will by funding the expansion of MO Healthnet, Missouri’s Medicaid program. When hospital capacity has been reduced, or cancer screenings and treatment have been delayed during the pandemic, it has never been more critical to prevent Missourians from getting cancer. Medicaid expansion is associated with increased cancer screening rates for several cancers and earlier stage detection of cancer and is vital in the fight against cancer.
Even as we face this pandemic, an estimated 102 Missourians hear the words “you have cancer” every day. Those gathered yesterday called on Missouri lawmakers to change this by taking steps to make the fight against cancer a priority.
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About ACS CAN
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.