In recognition of her legislative work on initiatives to ensure patient welfare, Assemblywoman Nancy Pinkin (D-Middlesex) became the first New Jersey Assembly member to be awarded the Distinguished Advocacy Award by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN).
Pinkin was honored with the 2019 award for her leadership and dedication to policy issues spanning palliative care to vaping, according to information provided by the New Jersey Assembly Democrats.
She joins Senator Joe Vitale as the first pair of New Jersey legislators to be recognized with this award.
“I am very humbled to receive this recognition,” Pinkin said in the statement. “Fighting to get people access to the medical resources and information they need are critical steps to ensuring the best quality of life possible. I’m proud of the work we’ve done and how far we’ve come in helping secure comprehensive care for New Jersey residents.”
The award was presented to Pinkin on Jan. 13 on the Assembly floor by Samantha DeAlmeida, New Jersey Government Relations director for ACS CAN.
“Assemblywoman Pinkin was instrumental in moving palliative care legislation forward in the legislature and getting it signed into law in 2019,” DeAlmeida said in the statement. “Ensuring health care facilities provide information concerning palliative care and hospice services has been a long standing priority for ACS CAN.
“Sponsoring legislation since 2014, the assemblywoman has made it her priority to help those with chronic illness gain access to palliative care, and increase education around the topic. Together we have worked on a number of other issues and she continues to be a strong advocate for cancer patients, survivors and their families. She whole-heartedly deserved this advocacy award.”
Pinkin represents the 18th Legislative District, which includes East Brunswick, Edison, Helmetta, Highland Park, Metuchen, South Plainfield and South River.