PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Legislation Banning PFAS from Firefighter Equipment, Medicare to Cover Multi-Cancer Screenings

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Congressman

IVEY CO-SPONSORS LEGISLATION TO BAN PFAS FROM FIREFIGHTER EQUIPMENT

Congressman Glenn Ivey (D) is a co-sponsor of Michigan Democrat Debbie Dingell’s legislation to remove PFAS, a harmful fluorinated chemical often known as “forever” chemicals, from firefighter gear. These chemicals are persistent, accumulate in the bloodstream, and are toxic. They are linked to harmful human health effects, including reproductive and developmental harms, weakened immune systems, and cancer: the leading cause of firefighter death.

Congressman Ivey spoke with

PGFD Chief Tiffany Green and local firefighters about the need for this legislation to help gain more insights about their concerns, and ensure they are addressed in the bill.

D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb recently announced a lawsuit against 25 chemical companies for manufacturing, marketing, distributing, and selling products containing these dangerous chemicals that presently pollute the natural resources of D.C. and surrounding areas.

The legislation, Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-theArt Alternatives Act (PFAS Alternatives Act), would authorize $25 million annually for 2024 through 2028 to support the development of new materials, and an additional $2 million annually to support guidance and training. It would also accelerate the development of PFASfree turnout gear through research, development, and testing and al- low firefighters to have a role in the change process.

“First responders deserve first rate gear. They put their lives on the line every day to save ours. We must not make those who risk their lives wear even riskier equipment and handle even more dangerous materials,” said Ivey.

The PFAS Alternatives Act is supported by the International Association of Fire Fighters and Globe Manufacturing Company.

“PFAS are directly linked to cancer. And as a kidney cancer survivor, I know the hardship, uncertainty and fear any family would experience being exposed to cancer causing materials. This bill will save our firefighters from this exposure and is a good way to show our appreciation to the men and women who are ready to rush into danger when others dodge it.”

Blegay Sponsors Bill Promoting Healthy Eating

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Prince George’s County

Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D,

District24

Aretha

District 6) held a press conference alongside several restaurant owners and advocates on July 18 to support her legislation to bring healthier food options to the area, just before a scheduled Council session where the bill was enacted. The bill passed with nine votes in favor, one abstention, and one absence.

CB-46, which was sponsored by Blegay, will provide incentives to restaurants offering food deemed healthy by the Health Department’s Healthcare Action Coalition and a registered dietician. At least 40% of said restaurant’s meal must be deemed healthy, and at least one healthy plant-based meal must be offered. County support would be offered in the form of zero-interest loans, publicity, marketing, promotion during annual Restaurant Weeks, and other incentives.

Fresh Green co-founders Duane and Tori King, Everlasting Life Founder and CEO Baruch Ben-Yehuda and Tropical

Bipartisan Legislation To Expand Medicare To Cover Cancer Screenings Introduced

As he has done in previous sessions of Congress, Senator Ben Cardin (D) is co-sponsoring legislation to allow Medicare to cover the costs of multi-cancer screenings. This legislation would help countless Americans to be aware of cancer before it’s too late.

“Early detection of cancer saves

Smoothie cafe franchise owner Clement Troutmant attended the press conference to show their support for the potential legislation.

“Thank you, Vice Chair Wala, for this bill,” said Duane King.

“Prince George’s County has very limited healthy restaurant options. In my district and in Prince George’s County, heart disease is one of the leading causes of death,” said Blegay. “Residents in my district have been demanding access to better food options, so they have an opportunity to live healthier lives. We need to provide residents with these amenities to improve their quality of life. Having healthy eating options is essential and will prevent residents from leaving Prince George’s County to search for healthy restaurant options.” lives, so there should be no hesitation in allowing Medicare to cover the latest diagnosis tools once they have been shown effective,” said Senator Cardin.

“Newly emerging multi-cancer early detection testing also has the potential to reduce disparities in cancer treatment and outcomes that persist in communities of color, which experience higher rates of incidence and death due to lower rates of routine cancer screening. I am proud to work with my colleagues to provide a pathway for multi-cancer screening technologies that would help increase cancer screening rates.”

The “Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection (MCED) Screening Coverage Act” would ensure Medicare patients have coverage for innovative tests that can detect multiple types of cancer before symptoms develop. Bipartisan companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives.

"Black people have a higher cancer burden and face greater obstacles to high-quality cancer prevention and detection,” said James Williams of the American Cancer Society.

“The availability of multi-cancer screening tests has the potential to address cancer mortality disparities by detecting more cancers earlier in more people,” Williams continued. “A simple blood test may be more accessible and acceptable to patients, thereby extending screening opportunities to traditionally underserved communities. Everyone deserves a fair and just opportunity to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer.”

WI

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer