AUGUSTA - Rep. Kristen Cloutier, D-Lewiston, was named a 2022 recipient of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's National Distinguished Advocacy Award at a reception held in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, Sept. 14. The award recognizes lawmakers who have led efforts to fight against cancer and to support patients, survivors and their families.
The organization highlighted Cloutier's work to advance tobacco use prevention policies in Maine. As the sponsor of LD 1868, An Act to Restore Funding to the States Tobacco Prevention Control Program, Cloutier led the effort to restore a program that aims to reduce tobacco use among those who tobacco companies have specifically targeted. This includes historically marginalized populations, individuals with low-incomes and individuals with mental and behavioral health conditions.
"I am so very honored and grateful not only to receive this award, but to receive it alongside my dear colleagues, Representatives Michele Meyer and Jay McCreight," said Cloutier. "Fighting the tobacco industry is a monumental task, and it will take hard work from all of us to ensure that our next generation is safe from an industry that preys on kids. I am so grateful to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network and the network of volunteers they have built to help support these efforts."
The award is the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Networks highest national advocacy honor. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, or ACS CAN, is the organization's advocacy arm and works to make cancer response and prevention a top priority of public officials.
"Rep. Cloutier embodies what it means to be a passionate advocate for reducing health disparities," said Lisa Lacasse, president of ACS CAN. "Undoubtedly, it is thanks to her relentless pursuit and leadership that this lifesaving legislation passed in Maine to increase tobacco control funding, a significant step toward reducing cancer incidence and mortality rates. ACS CAN is grateful for her role in reducing the cancer burden through her steadfast commitment to improving public health. ACS CAN looks forward to continued partnership on behalf of all who live, work and visit Maine."
"Thanks to her continued commitment and leadership on this issue, Rep. Cloutier put Maine on the top of the leaderboard when it comes to protecting kids and all Mainers from big tobacco's continued targeting," said Hilary Schneider, director of Government Relations for ACS CAN in Maine. "This was a long and hard fought win, and it would not have happened without her dedicated and passionate lobbying for the legislation to pass."
Cloutier is serving her second term in the Maine House and sits on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. She represents House District 60, which is part of the City of Lewiston.
Contact:
Jenna Howard [Cloutier], c. 214-3185