The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 200,000 Floridians have been diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2023, and it's barely March.
Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis announced the expansion of the Florida Cancer Connect, named the Cancer Connect Collaborative.
The Collaborative seeks to "analyze and rethink Florida’s approach to combatting cancer," as described in the press release.
To do this, there are five major objectives the Cancer Connect Collaborative seeks to accomplish.
The first is ensuring cancer data is more accessible and more quickly available.
Second, the Collaborative will incentivize the sharing of treatments across public and private entities, to ensure the most effective are available to all.
Third, the Collaborative seeks to cut back on red tape and other barriers preventing the application of new technology in fighting cancer as quickly as possible.
Fourth, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has pledged $170 million towards cancer research, and the Collaborative will provide recommendations on how it will be best applied.
Finally, similar to the first objective, "it’s time to open the tap on cancer information, and the Collaborative will be tasked with identifying the ways to ensure this is done."
"I am honored to launch the Cancer Connect Collaborative, commissioned to revolutionize FL’s approach to cancer care," First Lady DeSantis tweets.
I am honored to launch the Cancer Connect Collaborative, commissioned to revolutionize FL’s approach to cancer care. If Florida can build a bridge in 3 days, I am confident we can lead the nation in cancer prevention, innovation, treatment and positive outcomes."
I am honored to launch the Cancer Connect Collaborative, commissioned to revolutionize FL’s approach to cancer care.
If Florida can build a bridge in 3 days, I am confident we can lead the nation in cancer prevention, innovation, treatment and positive outcomes. pic.twitter.com/OuhqnpGYyT
— Casey DeSantis (@CaseyDeSantis) February 24, 2023
"So this is just a step," Mrs. DeSantis says in the clip.
"Step one was to provide that one-stop shop. Step two is really to get into the weeds, to talk about the funding, to talk about the innovation, to talk about the red tape and the barriers to innovation. What can we do on behalf of Floridians to do everything to find a cure and to give people hope?" she adds.
"I joke that if we come from the Administration where you can build a bridge in three days, I am confident that we are going to lead the nation in cancer care," Mrs. DeSantis concludes.
