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Susan G. Komen for the Cure focuses on a number of public policy priorities central to the delivery of quality breast health and breast cancer care. Several of these initiatives include increased funding for the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP), increased funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Cancer Institute (NCI), adequate protections for breast cancer patients and adequate reimbursement rates under Medicare.
Affiliates play a vital role in furthering the organization's public policy priorities by engagin activism at the federal, state and local levels. Affiliate involvement in the grassroots public policy program, Komen Champions for the Cure(TM), illustrates this effort. Komen Champions for the Cure(TM) was inspired by thousands of Komen volunteers across the country that work in local communities and with their state health departments to educate Congress, the President and other policymakers about breast health and breast cancer care.
As part of Komen Champions for the Cure™, Komen for the Cure hosts an innovative public policy website, www.ActNowEndBreastCancer.org, which enables thousands of concerned individuals to join the fight against breast cancer. This virtual advocacy forum offers individuals the opportunity to influence the federal government on crucial breast cancer issues by contacting their Members of Congress.
There may also be opportunities for Affiliates within a local area or state to collaborate on local or state issues pertaining to breast health and breast cancer education, screening or treatment. Contact your Affiliate Resource Specialist for more information on any Affiliate public policy efforts in your area.
Writing Letters to Congress
When contacting your elected representatives and government officials to express your concerns about legislative issues, there are certain formalities that should be used in the address and salutation. Be sure to follow Komen policies on campaign activities and public officials that participate in Affiliate events (see the Legal Responsibilities section).
A list of the specific names and addresses of your locally elected officials is available from your local chapter of The League of Women Voters.
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