Building Capacity to Advance Cancer Prevention Policies

Maine Public Health Association (MPHA) will address cancer prevention in Maine by strengthening our advocacy capacity to advance comprehensive legislation that will improve the state's policies, systems, and environments that impact preventable risk factors for cancer (e.g., tobacco use, poor nutrition, sedentary lifestyle). To pass this legislation, there is direct and immediate need for additional public health advocacy capacity.

The legislation MPHA and other advocacy partners are supporting includes the Trust for a Healthy Maine (which ensures that Tobacco Settlement monies first fully fund the state's tobacco prevention and control program and then follow the state health plan for additional allocations), as well as sections to end the sale of flavored tobacco products, increase the cigarette excise tax, and address obesity prevention through funding a state obesity prevention coordinator and program, and requiring early child education and K-12 school nutrition and physical activity standards align with national ones.