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9/29/2021 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network awards Rep. Ackerman with Distinguished Service Award
STATE HOUSE — The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network has awarded House Deputy Majority Whip Mia A. Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) with its National Distinguished Service Award for demonstrating outstanding leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy.

Representative Ackerman sponsored a law (2021-H 5432A) this year that requires health insurers to cover preventive colorectal cancer screening, including all colorectal cancer examinations and laboratory tests in accordance with American Cancer Society Guidelines. That coverage must be provided without cost-sharing as long as the services are performed in the insurer’s network, and includes an initial screening and a follow-up colonoscopy if the results of the screening are abnormal.

“I am so honored to receive this award,” said Representative Ackerman. “I am thrilled that we were able to pass this bill this year. In addition to saving lives, identifying colorectal cancer early saves money because treating it then is far less complicated and less costly than when it is advanced. I appreciate the hard work done by everybody involved in getting the legislation passed.”

The award was announced Tuesday during the organization’s annual Cancer Lobby Day. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network is the nation’s leading cancer advocacy organization that is working every day to make cancer issues a national priority.


For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922