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Cigarette Tax  Increases |
25 states had legislation related to increasing
cigarette taxes in 2009. Here are a few results:
Florida: +$1 to $1.34
Arkansas: + $.56 to $1.15
Kentucky: +$.30 to $.60
Rhode Island: +$1 to $3.46
State National Average: $1.19
Georgia: $.37
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Cancer Research Award Legislation Expands Types of Cancer Funded
Pictured at the sigining of State Bill 201 are (from left to right) Bill Todd, President & CEO, Georgia Cancer Coalition; Donna Hyland, CEO, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Governor Sonny Perdue, and Doug Hertz, Chairman of the Board of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and a GCC Board Member.
In 2010, Cancer Research Awards made possible by the State Income Tax Check-Off program will be open to cancer researchers studying any type of cancer. Governor Sonny Perdue signed legislation broadening the Georgia Cancer Research Fund awards to better reflect Georgia's comprehensive approach to cancer research.
Funding had previously been restricted to scientists in Georgia doing research into the causes, treatments, and cures for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Initiated by the Georgia State Legislature in 2000, the program has generated 55 awards with funding of more than $2 million dollars. The Georgia Cancer Coalition oversees the competitive, peer-reviewed grant process. Each dollar awarded is matched by the scientist's university, resulting in a $4 million impact on cancer research in the state. Cancer Research Awards provide seed money for pilot studies which have the potential of attracting larger, more prestigious national grant awards.
"We believe that this amendment will encourage an increase in voluntary income tax contributions by broadening the appeal to all Georgians, regardless of the type of cancer that has impacted them," says Bill Todd, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Georgia Cancer Coalition. "That gives us the potential to enhance our ability to leverage the contributions with federal or private funding." |
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Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Supported by GCC & Foundation
As a direct result of the passing of SB 201, the Georgia Cancer Coalition was able to pledge Cancer Research Award funds to partner with Ian's Friends Foundation in support of pediatric brain tumor research.
Researchers and surgeons from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Georgia Institute of Technology have embarked on a unique 3-year effort to develop innovative nano-scale diagnostics and therapeutics to improve outcomes. For details, go to: www.georgiacancer.org. The number one cause of childhood death resulting from cancer is brain tumors. |
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A note to Bill Todd, President, Georgia Cancer Coalition
Dear Bill:
Congratulations to you and your colleagues in the State of Georgia who have worked so hard these past years to bring an NCI core grant to the Winship Cancer Institute. It is a great next step to a great vision. Many thanks for all you do.
John E. Niederhuber, M.D.
Director, National Cancer Institute
For details on the NCI Cancer Center designation of Emory's Winship Cancer Institute, go to http://www.georgiacancer.org/
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 Click here to go to Georgia Public Broadcasting's website and programming for Georgia Weekly. Susan Hoffman interviewed Dr. Brian Leyland-Jones, MD, PhD, executive director of the Winship Cancer Institute and GCC CEO Bill Todd about Georgia's first NCI Cancer Center designation. (It is the second program on the tape; if you have Windows Media Player, you may have to let the first show play for about 13 minutes.) |
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GCC Distinguished Scholar Named Physician "Health Care Hero"
 Doctors Ann Mertens and Lillian Meacham (left) received the Atlanta Business Chronicle 2009 Health Care Heroes Award in the Physician category for their work in developing a Survivor Healthcare Plan (SHP) as a roadmap to good health for childhood cancer survivors Dr. Mertens is a GCC Distinguished Cancer Scholar. Bill Todd, President and CEO of the Georgia Cancer Coalition, (center) nominated the pair who are doctors at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine. The award was applauded by Kathelen and Dan Amos (right). Kathelen is President of the Aflac Foundation and a GCC board member and Dan Amos is Chairman and CEO of Alfac Incoporated.
Trent Spencer, PhD, also a GCC Distinguished Cancer Scholar at the Aflac Cancer Center and Blood Disorders Service of Childrens Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University School of Medicine, was part of the team that won a 2009 Health Care Hero Award in the Innovation category. |
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 Angie Patterson, Vice President and COO of the Georgia Cancer Coalition, presented an update on Georgia's Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan at The Georgia Pain Initiative (GPI) conference May 18. A member of the GPI steering committee, Patterson explained the Plan's objectives designed to meet the goal of increasing the proportion of cancer patients in Georgia who receive palliative care and support from the time of diagnosis.
The Georgia Pain Initiative was formed in 2008 to address pain management and palliative care practice and policy in Georgia. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by pain through education, advocacy, public policy and the promotion of excellence in clinical practice. GPI is a project of the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division. For more information, go to www.georgiapaininitiative.org.
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