Less Cancer backs House resolution on prevention and public health

Less Cancer is endorsing a House resolution introduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell that ties America’s 250th anniversary to prevention, public health and broader access to healthcare. The group says the measure could help set a national agenda for healthier communities over the next 250 years.

Why it matters: - Less Cancer says the resolution puts prevention and public health at the center of America’s 250th anniversary, framing health as part of the nation’s long-term future. - The measure highlights access to preventive care, screenings, health education, clean air, clean water and healthier communities. - The resolution also reinforces bipartisan public-health efforts at a time when access to care remains a major policy issue.

What happened: - Less Cancer, a program of the Next Generation Choices Foundation, praised U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) for introducing a House resolution on America’s 250th anniversary. - The resolution links the country’s founding celebrations to a renewed commitment to prevention, public health and access to healthcare. - Dingell said the anniversary should be used to reflect on the future and invest in prevention and care for every American.

The details: - The resolution says one of the greatest gifts to future generations would be a healthier America. - It encourages Americans to look forward as they mark the nation’s founding. - The measure cites General George Washington’s decision to inoculate the Continental Army against smallpox as an early example of prevention in America’s story. - Bill Couzens, founder of the Next Generation Choices Foundation and Less Cancer, said the next 250 years will be defined by what people choose to protect. - Couzens said prevention, healthier communities and access to healthcare are among the most enduring investments the country can make. - Less Cancer has spent more than two decades promoting prevention through education, community engagement, bipartisan collaboration and public policy. - Less Cancer says it is a national nonprofit focused on reducing the burden of cancer through prevention, education, public policy and community engagement. - The organization is based in Warrenton, Virginia, and works with healthcare leaders, researchers, policymakers, educators and communities. - The group listed its website as More information. - Less Cancer also listed social accounts on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Between the lines: - The resolution uses the semiquincentennial to broaden the conversation beyond ceremony and toward public-health policy. - By invoking George Washington and smallpox inoculation, the measure connects modern prevention efforts to a founding-era example. - Less Cancer is signaling that public health can still be framed as a bipartisan, patriotic issue rather than a partisan one.

What's next: - Less Cancer is urging members of Congress from both parties to support the resolution. - The group wants lawmakers to keep advancing efforts that strengthen prevention, public health and access to healthcare for all Americans. - If the resolution gains support, it could become part of a broader legislative push around America’s 250th anniversary.