JACKSON, Miss. – Dozens of cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates will come from across Mississippi to the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 4 for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s (ACS CAN) annual Cancer Action Day. They will urge state lawmakers to make cancer policy a priority by passing House Bill 565 “Jill’s Law,” guaranteeing coverage of biomarker testing for all Mississippians with state-regulated health insurance plans. The group will hold a news conference at 10:30 a.m. and meet with lawmakers throughout the day.
Jill’s Law is named for Jill Eure, the late wife of Rep. Casey Eure who benefited from biomarker testing. In the case of a cancer diagnosis, biomarker testing helps doctors determine the right treatment, saving some patients from therapies that don’t work and waste valuable time in a cancer fight. Biomarker testing is also crucial for patients facing other diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.
To date, 22 states have passed legislation to ensure coverage of biomarker testing, including Texas and Louisiana.
WHERE:
Mississippi State Capitol Second Floor Rotunda
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 4, 10:30 a.m.
Advocates will be at the Capitol with additional availability before and after the news conference.
WHO:
Kimberly Hughes, ACS CAN Government Relations Director
Dr. Pierre E. De Delva, St Dominic-Jackson Memorial Hospital and University of Mississippi Medical Center
Ashleigh Parker, Cancer Survivor from Olive Branch
Rep. Casey Eure (R- Saucier)
**Speaker List Subject to Change**