Dear editor,

This year, more than 17,000 Mississippians will be diagnosed with cancer. Many of these individuals receive health care coverage through our state’s Medicaid program. For them, this program is a lifeline. As a cancer survivor and advocate, I know what that’s like.

Unfortunately, Congress has proposed making huge Medicaid program cuts that could risk the health of the millions of people across America who rely on Medicaid, including nearly 650,000 people right here in Mississippi. This crucial program provides health coverage for some of the most vulnerable people in our community: children, pregnant women, folks in nursing home care, cancer patients and people with disabilities. When we put Medicaid on the chopping block, we are putting our neighbors’ lives on the line. There is simply no way to make the massive cuts Congress is proposing without sacrificing crucial care like cancer screenings, emergency care and annual check-ups.

I’m urging our representatives in Congress to stand up for the health of their constituents and say “no” to any form of cuts to Medicaid.

Pearl W. Carter

Volunteer, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN)

Vicksburg, Mississippi