Favorable
Committee: Finance
SB0519
The Maryland Catholic Conference (MCC) is the public policy representative of the three (arch)dioceses serving Maryland, which together encompass over one million Marylanders. Statewide, their parishes, schools, hospitals, and numerous charities combine to form our state’s second largest social service provider network, behind only our state government.
Senate Bill 519 establishes the Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program to provide grants to improve awareness of and access to prostate cancer care services for individuals in the State; establishing the Prostate Cancer Care Access Grant Program Fund as a special, nonlapsing fund to provide grants under the Program; requiring the Governor in each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028, to include an appropriation of $100,000 for the program in the annual budget bill; and requiring that the interest earnings of the Fund be credited to the Fund.
Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with approximately 135.7 out of every 100,000 Maryland men diagnosed in their lifetime and 19.7 per 100,000 dying from the disease. (1) Expanding access to life-saving treatment and increasing awareness are essential for ensuring early detection, which significantly improves treatment outcomes and reduces mortality rates. Funding prostate cancer awareness and access empowers men and their families with critical health information, enabling them to make informed decisions and take proactive steps in managing their well-being. As men age and prostate cancer risk increases, regular healthcare visits become even more important. However, financial barriers and geographic limitations often prevent adequate care. Ensuring access to screenings and treatment addresses these challenges while upholding the dignity of life through critical, potentially life-saving interventions.
Advocating for comprehensive, life-affirming healthcare policies is a moral responsibility. Prioritizing prostate cancer awareness and access can help save lives by ensuring timely diagnosis and reducing healthcare disparities. This legislation seeks to remove barriers to care, recognizing that early intervention is key to better health outcomes. Proactive investment in men’s health strengthens families, communities, and overall public health.
For these reasons, the Maryland Catholic Conference asks for a favorable report on SB 519. Thank you for your consideration.
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(1) https://zerocancer.org/about-prostate-cancer/downloadable-materials/state-statistics/maryland#:~:text=Incidence%20Rates,prostate%20cancer%20in%20their%20lifetime.