Ryan Strik Joins American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network to Lead Government Relations in Rhode Island

PROVIDENCE — Ryan Strik has joined the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) as the government relations director in Rhode Island. In this role, Strik will lead ACS CAN’s efforts in the state to advance legislation and public policies to reduce cancer.

“Cancer has touched all of our lives, and I’m excited to do my part to help advance legislation and policies that will save lives from this horrible disease,” Strik said. “After years of supporting ACS CAN as a volunteer advocate, I’m thrilled to be joining the Rhode Island team as Government Relations Director. I look forward to working with elected officials, volunteers, community and organizational partners and leaders across our state to help reduce suffering and death from cancer in Rhode Island.”

Ryan comes to ACS CAN from Senator Jack Reed’s office, where he has most recently been serving in the role of Special Projects Assistant, one of many roles he has held in that office since 2018. In his most recent role in Senator Reed’s office, he assisted the Director of Federal Projects with grant and appropriations efforts on behalf of organizations and municipalities and staffed the Senator at constituent meetings and field events. Ryan previously served as a member of Senator Reed’s legislative staff working on policy issues related to health, education, and labor.

Under Strik’s leadership, ACS CAN will focus in 2023 on urging legislators to help ensure cancer patients are able to afford necessary medications and adequately fund the state tobacco prevention and cessation program.

ACS CAN is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization. To contact Strik or get involved in ACS CAN’s legislative agenda in Rhode Island, visit www.fightcancer.org/rhodeisland

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The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that saves lives. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, 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 made workplaces, including restaurants and bars, smoke-free. As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers and save more lives from cancer. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.