State Advocacy

Ohio Advocacy

The Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® works actively to educate our elected officials about breast cancer, the Komen promise and the impact Komen Northeast Ohio makes in our 22 county area we serve.
 
Did you know:

• Nationwide, Ohio ranks 32nd in breast cancer incidence but 4th in breast cancer mortality.
• There are more than 255,000 uninsured or underinsured women in Northeast Ohio alone.
• Even though the incidence of breast cancer in African American women is lower than the general population, breast cancer mortality for African American women in Ohio is nearly equal to that of the general population.

It is crucial we work together with Ohio legislators to improve these startling statistics. Current issues we are supporting are: 

Restore state funding for the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
Ohio’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Project (BCCP) is our state’s version of the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP).  The Ohio BCCP provides breast and cervical cancer screening and diagnostic services to low-income, uninsured and underinsured women in Ohio who do not qualify for Medicaid.
 
Unfortunately, despite the program’s vital importance to some of the neediest women in our state, the state contribution to the Ohio BCCP was decreased from $5 million in FY2008 and 2009 to only $1.6 million in FY2010 and 2011.
 
Despite Ohio’s budget crisis, life saving services such as those provided by Ohio BCCP must be maintained.

Increase funds available for the Ohio Breast and Cervical Cancer Program through a state tax check-off option
Komen Northeast Ohio has been working with Representative Kirk Schuring (R - Stark) and Senator Tom Patton (D - Cuyahoga) to introduce legislation that will provide an additional funding source for Ohio BCCP.  We strongly support House Bill 426 and Senate Bill 285, which would give Ohioans an opportunity to check a box on their Ohio tax forms and contribute to the state’s breast and cervical cancer program for needy women. 
 
Read a one-page overview of H.B. 426 and S.B. 285. 
Find your legislator and encourage them to Vote for the Cure!

 
Oral Chemo Parity
Introduced by Senator Scott Oelslager (R - Stark), Senate Bill 194 protects cancer patients from high out-of-pocket costs and ensures health decisions remain between a woman and her doctor, not a woman and her insurance company.  The bill requires health insurance plans to provide coverage for oral cancer drugs that is as generous as coverage provided for intravenously-administered chemotherapy.
 
Read a one-page overview about the oral chemo parity bill.

United in PINK

Area Legislators have long supported the Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Race for the Cure ®.   The United in PINK Challenge is a new opportunity for our state and local leaders to join in the excitement of Race Day while helping to further the promise of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Elected Officials and their staff are asked to take part in the United in PINK Challenge by forming a team for the Komen Northeast Ohio Race for the Cure.  By forming a team, legislators help increase a sense of community amongst constituents while helping to maximize available resources in the ongoing fight to end breast cancer forever.  

Ohio Lobby Day

Each year Komen Northeast Ohio joins forces with Komen Cincinnati, Komen Columbus and Komen Northwest Ohio at the statehouse to educate our state legislators about Komen’s statewide impact, our mission and the current issues we are supporting. 

Click here for the Ohio House Directory.
Click here for the Ohio Senate Directory.