AUGUSTA - Rep. Michele Meyer, D-Eliot, 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 Meyer's work to advance tobacco use prevention policies in Maine. As House chair of the Legislatures Health and Human Services Committee, Meyer has led efforts to increase tobacco use prevention funding. She is also a leading advocate for banning flavored tobacco products that have been linked to a rise in tobacco use among children and young adults.
"Tobacco use puts our children's health and futures at risk. Smoking kills more people than any other preventable illness by causing chronic and serious diseases like cancer," said Meyer. "I have been proud to work with the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network to protect Mainers from the terrible effects of tobacco products, and it is truly an honor to receive this recognition at the national level."
The award is the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network's highest national advocacy honor. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, or ACS CAN, is the American Cancer Society's advocacy arm and works to make cancer response and prevention a top priority of public officials.
"Rep. Meyer 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 their 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. Meyer 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."
Meyer, a registered nurse, is serving her second term in the Maine House. She represents House District 2, which comprises Eliot, part of South Berwick and part of Kittery.
Contact:
Jenna Howard [Meyer], c. 214-3185