Advocacy Newsletter: Summer 2023

Dear ZERO Advocates,

It may be the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer here in our nation's capital, but our advocacy efforts are anything but on vacation. From raising prostate cancer awareness among Veterans to pounding the pavement on Capitol Hill, it's been a jam-packed few months. Read below to learn more about what we have been up to, and what we have on the horizon.

Here's to ending prostate cancer together.

	Ali Manson VP, Government Relations & Advocacy

P.S. Mark your calendars: the 2024 ZERO Summit will be on February 24-27. Stay tuned for more details!

Federal Prostate Cancer Funding Update

Investment in prostate cancer research is one of ZERO's top priorities. Even before the federal appropriations season began this year, it was clear that this would be a challenge. I am pleased to share that through our combined efforts, we staved off any cuts to the Prostate Cancer Research Program; it is funded for another year at $110 million. We would have preferred an increase in funding, but in an environment where appropriators are looking to make significant cuts, ensuring that research into cutting-edge prostate cancer treatments stays steady is a victory. This is not the end, and we will continue to fight for increased funding to save lives.

Bring Your Advocacy Home Webinar

Every year during the ZERO Summit, we visit Capitol Hill to share our stories and advocate for policy changes that will benefit prostate cancer patients and their families. But did you know that you don't have to travel to D.C. to make an impact?

Make your prostate cancer advocacy a year-round activity and join the ZERO Government Relations team for a webinar on July 27 to learn how you can schedule and hold meetings with your elected officials in your district. If you desire to learn but cannot attend the webinar, a recording will be made available to registrants.

PSA Screening for HIM Act Update

Increasing access to prostate cancer screening for men at high risk is key to reducing disparities in prostate cancer outcomes. The PSA for HIM Act was introduced in the House in April as H.R. 1826 and we are working toward Senate introduction soon.

In early June, we held a virtual advocacy day directed at Members of Congress we thought would be amenable to cosponsoring the bill. And our efforts paid off, with multiple legislators signing on afterwards. Stay tuned for more of these virtual advocacy days in the near future!

Click here to contact your Member of Congress to support the PSA Screening for HIM Act today.

If you would be interested in advocating virtually this summer and fall, please fill out this form.

State Legislative Update

Policy change doesn't just happen in D.C. ZERO pursues policies to increase access to prostate cancer screening in state capitals across the country through our ZERO Cost to Prostate Cancer Screening Initiative. The California Senate is currently considering AB 632 before (hopefully) sending it to the governor's office. A bill in the D.C. City Council to eliminate cost sharing for prostate cancer screening is due for a hearing in September. In New Jersey, S.791/A.2795 has potential to pass before the end of the calendar year, and, in Pennsylvania, HB 531 would guarantee insurance coverage for prostate cancer screening. Legislation in TX failed in the state Senate this year, but did pass the House of Representatives - we'll be back for the Lone Star State in the next session.

Veterans' Activities

On May 11-13th, ZERO participated in the Department of Defense's Commemoration for the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. For 3 days on the National Mall, we engaged with countless Veterans and Active Duty servicemembers, helping raise awareness about prostate cancer. Raising awareness is a central pillar of ZERO's Veteran activities; due to exposure to toxins such as Agent Orange and burn pits during their time in the military, Veterans are at a heightened risk for prostate cancer.

Following our activities on the National Mall, we held a webinar about getting the most out of your VA benefits. You can watch a recording of the webinar on YouTube.

Better Know an Advocate

Hanna Bridges-Curry came to us from force: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, an organization focused on hereditary cancers that ZERO partners with often. This was her first time advocating with ZERO, so we asked her a few questions about her journey.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My spouse and I live in New Orleans with our rescue dog, Oscar. I've lived down here about seven years, after spending time in New York City after college. My professional background is in nonprofits, and I went back to school a few years ago to become a nurse. I'm now applying to med school! I love baseball (Mets and Braves), and I enjoy baking and gardening in my free time.

You came to us from force. Can you tell us how you got involved with them?

After finding out I carry a genetic mutation that increases my cancer risk, my genetic counselor suggested I look into force. I used their resources to inform decisions around surveillance and risk-reducing surgery, and spoke to one of their Peer Navigators about her decision-making process. Because they were so helpful to me, I wanted to give back to the organization. I initially became involved as a Research Advocate, working with researchers to ensure the hereditary cancer community's needs were considered, but have more recently begun volunteering in an advocacy capacity.

You came to us from force. Can you tell us how you got involved with them?

After finding out I carry a genetic mutation that increases my cancer risk, my genetic counselor suggested I look into force. I used their resources to inform decisions around surveillance and risk-reducing surgery, and spoke to one of their Peer Navigators about her decision-making process. Because they were so helpful to me, I wanted to give back to the organization. I initially became involved as a Research Advocate, working with researchers to ensure the hereditary cancer community's needs were considered, but have more recently begun volunteering in an advocacy capacity.

Why did you decide to advocate with ZERO?

My father is a prostate cancer survivor; his diagnosis led to us finding out about the genetic mutation we both carry. As a family, we're fortunate to have excellent health care providers who encourage vigilant screening, so when I had the opportunity to advocate for expanded screening for men at increased risk of prostate cancer, I jumped at the chance. I'm passionate about ameliorating health inequalities, and expanding screening access is one step towards doing just that.

This was your first time advocating with us. What was that like for you?

As a healthcare worker, advocating for my patients is my favorite part of the job, and I'm confident and comfortable doing it. I was surprised how nervous I felt sharing my family's story, but it's also really gratifying to know your own story has the capacity to make others seriously consider their position on certain legislation. It was really empowering.

What advice would you give to someone who was interested in advocating?

As a healthcare worker, advocating for my patients is my favorite part of the job, and I'm confident and comfortable doing it. I was surprised how nervous I felt sharing my family's story, but it's also really gratifying to know your own story has the capacity to make others seriously consider their position on certain legislation. It was really empowering.