People diagnosed and living with sarcoma face unique challenges. SFA’s public policy and legislative priorities are focused on amplifying the voice of and improving outcomes for people diagnosed and living with sarcoma.
SFA brings the sarcoma community together to advance public policies and legislation that will:
- Find New Treatments and Cures
- Optimize Current Treatments and Care
- Increase Funding for Sarcoma Research
- Improve Equity in and Access to Care
Sarcoma Awareness Month Resolutions
July has been designated as Sarcoma Awareness Month. A much-needed time to increase awareness about the needs of people impacted by sarcoma.
SENATE RESOLUTION
In July, Senator Johnson (R-WIS) introduced a resolution designating July 2021 as National Sarcoma Awareness Month, to raise awareness of sarcoma, a form of cancer, and to honor the life of Melissa Locke and the many other Americans that this disease affects.
Thanks to the perseverance of Senator Johnson’s office and sarcoma advocate Brendan Locke, the resolution passed the Senate by Unanimous Consent on August 9, 2021.
Sarcoma Foundation of America’s Press Release
Senator Johnson’s Office Press Release
Public Policy Priorities
SFA connects with sarcoma patients, the medical community and other stakeholders to develop our priorities. We use these priorities to educate state and local legislators about the unique challenges faced by the many women, men and children living with a sarcoma diagnosis.
2024 Hill Day Advocacy Priorities
Legislation We Support- there could be more added later as we decide to support additional legislation
Accelerating Kids’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 4758): A common challenge for sarcoma patients is finding a knowledgeable medical specialist, often resulting in the need to travel long distances, including across state lines, for necessary care and treatment. Bureaucratic barriers to out-of-state medical care can be even more daunting for children with health care coverage through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This bill reduces red tape and makes it easier for these members of our community on Medicaid and CHIP to receive the specialized care they need.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/4758
Telehealth Modernization Act (H.R. 7623): Research has shown that outcomes are better when a sarcoma patient is seen at a Sarcoma Specialty Care Center. There are many parts of the country that do not have a Sarcoma Care Center and even within states patients must travel long distances to access care. Expanded telehealth access can greatly reduce barriers in access to care. This bill would extend Medicare telehealth flexibilities granted during the pandemic, which are set to expire at the end of this year, for an additional two years.
https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-bill/7623