Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. Receives National Distinguished Advocacy Award for Championing Lifesaving Cancer Public Policy

Award is Highest Honor Presented to a Public Official by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

NEWARK, NJ – September 30, 2021 – Congressman Donald Payne, Jr. received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award this week, the most prestigious award presented to a public official by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), in recognition of his significant contributions to the fight against cancer and leadership on the successful passage of the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act of 2020.

ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, presents the annual award to select lawmakers who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.

“Rep. Payne, Jr. has exemplified what is means to be a dedicated champion in the fight against cancer. His enduring leadership on the Removing Barriers to Colorectal Cancer Screening Act is a testament to his steadfast commitment to passing public policies that improve the lives of cancer patients and survivors.” said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. “We are very grateful for our valuable partnership with Rep. Payne, Jr. and look forward to future opportunities to work together as we strive to improve public health and address the burden of cancer for families across the country.”

Congressman Payne introduced and was the main sponsor of the Removing Barriers Act, which modifies cost-sharing requirements for colorectal screening testes under Medicare. This measure helps assure that more Americans have access to life-saving colonoscopies. He has also focused on letting his constituents know of the importance of colonoscopies. Congressman Payne has worked closely with ACS CAN including providing remarks at the eighth annual Lights of Hope ceremony. His father, the late Congressman Donald Payne, lost his battle to colon cancer in 2012

“Congressman Payne has put his heart and his soul into his work on cancer issues that touch virtually every New Jerseyan,” said Sr. Maggie Lopez, ED.D. ACS CAN New Jersey grassroots manager. “He truly understands our issues and his CRC screening bill is so crucial to the lives and the health of those who, otherwise, would not be able to access a colonoscopy. We are proud to be able to honor him with this well deserved award”

The award was presented on Sept. 28 as part of the annual ACS CAN Leadership Summit and Lobby Day. Nearly 700 cancer patients, survivors and their loved ones met virtually with their elected officials to urge them to support policies that increase funding for cancer research and prevention programs and address barriers that prevent diverse populations from enrolling in clinical trials.

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About ACS CAN at 20

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.