1. CCRAB Annual Report Published
The 2021 CCRAB Annual Report is now available online at www.ccrab.org/annual-report.
2. Updated Florida Cancer Plan Published
The updated 2020-2025 Florida Cancer Plan was published in January 2021 and is now available online at: www.ccrab.org/cancer- plan. The updated Plan includes changes that were reviewed by the Council and stakeholders between October and December 2020. For more information on the 2021 updates, plan for making changes to the Cancer Plan, and selection criteria uses, go to www.ccrab.org/2020/11/florida-cancer-plan-proposed-revisions.
3. CCRAB Presents at Florida Biomedical Research Advisory Council Meeting
On February 25, 2020, Dr. Clement Gwede represented CCRAB at the Biomedical Research Advisory Council (BRAC) meeting. He delivered a presentation on the 2020-2025 Florida Cancer Plan Goal #21: Achieve a national reputation in Florida for innovation and impactful cancer research. Discussion included critical alignment of research priority areas to achieve health equity and address geographic and regional disparities across of the state.
4. Cancer in the Time of Coronavirus Webinar
On January 8, 2021, CCRAB, the North Central Florida Cancer Control Collaborative, and UF Health Cancer Center hosted a second Cancer in the Time of Coronavirus webinar to provide information for cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and providers on the COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to the presenters, Dr. Chris Cogle and Dr. Amar Kelkar. Go to https://cancer.ufl.edu/2021/01/12/ cancer-in-the-time-of-coronavirus-the-covid-19-vaccine/ to access the webinar recording and slides.
5. CCRAB Presents at Florida Prostate Cancer Advisory Council Meeting
On November 7, 2020, Dr. Gwede represented CCRAB at the Prostate Cancer Advisory Council (PCAC) meeting. He delivered a presentation on the 2020-2025 Florida Cancer Plan Goal #13: Reduce prostate cancer mortality in Florida men at high risk for aggressive prostate cancer through screening and early detection.
6. CCRAB Member Spotlight: Dr. Michael Diaz
We are pleased to welcome to Dr. Michael Diaz as the Association of Community Cancer Centers representative on CCRAB. Dr. Michael Diaz joined Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in 2011. In addition to his medical practice, Dr. Diaz provides leadership for numerous organizations, and he advocates for cancer patients and practices at the state and national levels.
7. CCRAB Member Spotlight: Senator Aaron Bean
We are pleased to welcome Senator Aaron Bean as the Senate President’s appointee on CCRAB. A long-time leader in health care policy, Senator Bean served in the House of Representatives from 2000 to 2008 and was elected to the Senate in 2012. He is currently the Senate President Pro Tempore and Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services.
8. CCRAB Member Spotlight: Megan Wessel
Ms. Megan Wessel, the American Cancer Society’s appointee on CCRAB, was recently selected as the Florida Outstanding Woman in Public Health by the USF College of Public Health. The virtual awards ceremony will take place on April 7, 2021 during National Public Health Week. We are thankful for Megan’s leadership and patient advocacy. Congratulations, Megan!
9. Next CCRAB Meeting: Friday, May 21, 2021
The next CCRAB meeting will be held on Friday, May 21st from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM via videoconference. Additional details and an agenda will be made available prior to the meeting.
The Florida Cancer Control and Research Advisory Council (CCRAB) was established by the Florida Legislature in 1979 with the purpose of advising the Legislature, Governor, and Surgeon General on ways to reduce Florida’s cancer burden. Dr. Christopher Cogle is the Chair of CCRAB, and Dr. Clement Gwede is the Vice Chair.
For more information visit https://ccrab.org/.