On September 16, the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will be hosting its first ever completely virtual Advocacy Summit. Oncology care providers from across the United States will meet with Members of Congress and their staff by phone or video to advocate for policies that will improve access to high-quality, equitable care for people with cancer and ensure robust funding for cancer research.

Those who are not attending the virtual Advocacy Summit events are encouraged to participate in this year’s online Week of Action from September 14-18. With ASCO’s easy-to-use ACT Network supporters can efficiently contact their lawmakers to urge them to take action.

This year’s advocates plan to discuss with Congressional leaders:

• The importance of Congressional support of the CLINICAL TREATMENT Act in the House and companion legislation in the Senate—aimed at expanding Medicaid beneficiary participation in clinical trials.
• The need for co-sponsorship for the Safe Step Act, which will help protect patients from harmful step therapy protocols.
• The impact COVID-19 has had on their practices and research, and for support on needed changes for telehealth and research funding.

Virtual advocates can also get involved on Twitter by following @ASCO and using the hashtag #ASCOAdvocacySummit. Reach out to representatives, interact with fellow advocates, or show your “advocacy from home” setup.

While the event is virtual, the goals are still to advance priority legislation, amplify the voice of the cancer care community on Capitol Hill, and to get ASCO members involved in advocacy initiatives.

This year’s Advocacy Summit will also feature the presentation of the “Congressional Leadership Award,” an annual award to acknowledge Members of Congress who champion policies to improve research and the delivery care for patients with cancer. ASCO will also present the “Advocate of the Year” award to an ASCO member who has demonstrated exceptional advocacy efforts on behalf of individuals with cancer and their cancer care teams.

Stay up-to-date with oncology-related advocacy and policy news by bookmarking ASCO in Action.