Dingell wins award from American Cancer Society for work on public health and cancer issues
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, has received the National Distinguished Advocacy Award from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network.
Dingell, whose district includes Ann Arbor, was given the award for his "years of relentless commitment to strong public health and cancer policies," according to a statement from ACS CAN, the advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society.
The annual award from ACS CAN is given to select lawmakers who demonstrate consistent leadership in the area of cancer-related public policy advocacy. ACS CAN representatives said it's the highest honor bestowed by the organization.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, speaking at an event at EMU while campaigning last year.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
ACS CAN specifically cited Dingell's role in crafting national health reform legislation and his role in authoring the Patient’s Bill of Rights.
Calling him a tireless advocate for improving access to health care over five decades, ACS CAN also said Dingell was instrumental in the historic passage of Medicare and Medicaid, and more recently the Children’s Health Insurance Program and the Affordable Care Act.
Dingell also has fought to increase federal funding for cancer research, beginning with the National Cancer Act in 1971.
"Since then, the nation’s war on cancer has brought millions of dollars and jobs to the national economy as well as raising the five-year cancer survivorship rate from less than 50 percent to 68 percent today," ACS CAN said in a statement today.
Dingell also was applauded by ACS CAN for his role in the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and for voting to increase the federal tobacco tax.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's e-mail newsletters.
Comments
outdoor6709
Wed, Aug 31, 2011 : 12:06 a.m.
At least he now has an accomplishment to campaign on. Instad of just lieing about his opponets positions.
BhavanaJagat
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
While I am not opposed to the idea of giving awards and paying special attention, I must also note the fact that this is an exercise in promoting a vested interest. They need more federal spending and tax dollars in areas of work that gives them their daily bread and butter. Health care costs have gone up and it is not affordable. Medicaid and Medicare are the most widely misused and abused public healthcare initiatives in the history of this nation. I am not convinced about public health which is disease -oriented. People have been demanding more tax dollars to deal with specific disease entities and are not concerned about promoting positive good health and well-being. I would ask Rep. John Dingell to kindly define the term 'HEALTH' and then we will be able to discuss his contribution to public health.
Monica R-W
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 3:11 a.m.
Congrads Congressman Dingell. This honor is so deserved and I am proud of your continued service to our community!
FaithInYpsi
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 1:52 a.m.
Would be nice if he would pay attention to a lot of other issues that his constituents have contacted him about. He never replys...
Monica R-W
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.
When my late Father was having an issue with receiving his well-earned and deserved Social Security in 2005 after 51 years of working service, one call to Congressman Dingell's office took care of the issue. Sorry for your experience but, I have to say that in this case, the Congressman's office quickly stepped up to assist.
Dog Guy
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 1:30 a.m.
"Calling him a tireless advocate for improving access to health care over five decades" does not improve access to the other side of the Stadium bridges. The bridge project is being delayed until October 2012 so Dingell can have a another campaign photo opportunity and buy yet another election with our tax money. Has he ever contributed his own money to anything, or only ours? Dingell is a consummate politician, the NRA darling who wins Ann Arbor. By ceaseless campaigning for re-election, he deprives our district of representation. Dingell represents only Dingell.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 5:48 p.m.
The bridge project is starting next month. Just so you know.
DonBee
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 1:12 a.m.
Congratulations to Congressmen Dingell. I hope he has enjoyed his time in Washington. With the loss of a seat in congress, maybe he should yield to one of his fellow members of the Michigan delegation.
81wolverine
Mon, Aug 29, 2011 : 11:08 p.m.
I congratulate John Dingell for this award and his service to the state of Michigan. But, at the same time, he is a poster child for age limits in Congress - one of the many reforms necessary to return our government to one that actually accomplishes things and moves our country forward.
Terrin Bell
Tue, Aug 30, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Age limits in Congress. Why stop there? Perhaps age limits for driving. Age limits for shopping. Age limits for spending your own money. I mean who cares if a person is mentally competent and has lots of experience. The two party system and people treating politics as a sporting event is the reason things don't get accomplished. Age has nothing to do with that. In France, people actually riot when politicians try to muck things up. That is patriotism at its finest.