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In this Update:

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• State Funding for Vehicles in Lower Southampton Township
• Safe2Say Something Tipline
• My Bill to Expand EMS Transport Options Passes from Committee

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those affected by breast cancer and raise awareness about the importance of prevention and early detection. The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.

That’s why I have partnered with Jefferson Health to offer a Free Mobile Mammogram Event next Friday October 9 from 9am to 3pm at Warrington Fire Co. #1, located at 2310 Freedoms Way. If interested, call our office to schedule your appointment. 215-638-1784. Ask for Ashley.

I have been a strong advocate for expanding access to breast cancer screening and diagnostic care. I authored legislation that eliminates out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic mammograms, breast MRIs and ultrasounds for Pennsylvanians insured under state law. No patient should have to delay potentially lifesaving care because of the cost of a diagnostic test.

The issue is deeply personal for me, as my wife’s experience with breast cancer reinforced for me how critical timely access to diagnostic imaging is for early detection and treatment.

State Funding for Vehicles in Lower Southampton Township

Rep. Hogan and I are proud to have helped secure over $1,000,000 through Local Share Account (LSA) funds from the Commonwealth Financing Authority for the purchase of new vehicles to be operated in Lower Southampton Township.

Lower Southampton Fire Company will use the $630,000 they were awarded to purchase a new fire truck to replace its 2007 Special Service apparatus with a Wildland Brush Truck. The current apparatus is 18 years old, exceeding NFPA’s 15-year replacement recommendation.

Lower Southampton Township will use the $461,207 they were awarded to purchase a new municipal vehicle fleet, including replacing three outdated police vehicles, a mini track loader, and a dump truck with updated models.

These investments will help strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve the township’s ability to maintain critical public infrastructure without unexpected interruptions.

Safe2Say Something Tipline

This week, a local resident took an important step to help keep their school community safe by reporting a threat through the Safe2Say Something tipline. The school district worked with local law enforcement to address the situation.

I commend this resident for speaking up and doing the right thing. This is a reminder that residents, including students, have a resource to anonymously report threats or concerning activity.

As the co-author of the legislation that established Safe2Say Something in Pennsylvania, I encourage students, parents, and educators to learn more about this valuable program because speaking up can save lives.

Since the program implementation in 2019, 1,000,000 students have made reports. Learn more about Safe2SAySomething.

My Bill to Expand EMS Transport Options Passes out of Committee

A bill I sponsored to give emergency medical services (EMS) providers greater flexibility in transporting patients to appropriate receiving facilities advanced unanimously from the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee this week.

As chair of this committee, this legislation is important as it removes unnecessary barriers and gives our EMS professionals more options to continue providing patients with the care they need, including taking a patient having a mental health issue to a crisis center.

The legislation also would ensure EMS agencies are appropriately reimbursed when they provide emergency treatment and, when necessary, transport a patient to an authorized receiving facility.

Senate Bill 1403 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.