STATE HOUSE – The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network and Brown University’s Legoretta Cancer Center have honored House Deputy Majority Whip Mia Ackerman for her legislative contributions to cancer prevention and treatment.

Representative Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln) received the organizations’ Public Service Award for her advocacy for and successful passing of legislation addressing the prevention and early treatment of cancer.

“Cancer is a terrible and devestating disease that touches the lives of too many Rhode Islanders,” Representative Ackerman said. “I am so grateful for partners like the American Cancer Society and the Legoretta Cancer Center who are working every day to ensure all of us live longer, healthier lives.”

Representative Ackerman has been a longstanding advocate for patients. She has championed many pieces of legislation to combat cancer including a 2018 bill (2018-H 7136) that prohibits minors from using tanning beds, a 2021 bill (2021-H 5432A) to cover preventative colorectal cancer screenings, and a 2022 bill (2022-H 7587A) requiring private health insurers to cover biomarker testing.

“I have so much respect for the work these organizations do to make people’s lives better and I am incredibly humbled and honored by this award,” Representative Ackerman said. “Out of all of our responsibilities as legislators, the one that fills my heart with pride the most is our ability to save lives.”

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IN PHOTO: Deputy Majority Whip Mia Ackerman (D-Dist. 45, Cumberland, Lincoln), left, receives Public Service Award from Dr. Wafik El-Deiry, PhD, FACP, FRSM, director of  the Legoretta Cancer Center at Brown University.