ATLANTA, Ga. – Feb. 2, 2024 – More than 50 cancer patients, survivors and their families and caregivers from throughout Georgia will be out in force at the State Capitol next Tuesday, February 6 to meet with lawmakers to ask them to support policies that reduce the burden of cancer on Georgians, including Medicaid expansion. The event will go from 9 a.m. to noon with a news conference at 10:30 a.m.
The visit is part of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day, an event that will bring volunteer advocates together to call on the legislature to make cancer policy a priority. This year, more than 63,000 Georgians are estimated to face a cancer diagnosis. We are asking lawmakers to change that by enacting policies that close the coverage gap and expand healthcare access. Studies show having health insurance is the top indicator of cancer survival.
“I know firsthand how important access to care can be for cancer patients because having coverage through Medicaid saved my life,” said volunteer advocate Cindy Vo, a childhood cancer survivor. Vo will be available for interviews.
WHO: Cancer survivors, patients and ACS CAN volunteer advocates
SPEAKERS: Julie Vojtech, ACS CAN Georgia Government Relations Director
Dr. Demetria Smith-Graziani, Winship Cancer Institute
Cindy Vo, cancer survivor
Flecia Brown, cancer survivor
Tiah Tomlin-Harris, cancer survivor, co-founder of My Style Matters
WHAT: ACS CAN Georgia Cancer Action Day
WHERE: Georgia State Capitol: Second Floor, South Wing
206 Washington Street SW, Atlanta, GA 30334
WHEN: Tuesday, February 6
Full event: 9 a.m.-12 noon
News conference at 10:30 a.m.
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About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) advocates for evidence-based public policies to reduce the cancer burden for everyone. We engage our volunteers across the country to make their voices heard by policymakers at every level of government. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We stand with our volunteers, working to make cancer a top priority for policymakers in cities, states and our nation’s capital. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
