W-b Financial Crisis 
Tax, Fee Hikes Get Support 
City Council, Mayor Also Decide To Go Without Salary Increases This Year.

70 Positions Will Be Cut Valley Crest Slated To Lose 45 Jobs

Thursday, February 05, 2004 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Page: 9A 





Throughout the years there has been significant progress made in the fight
against cancer, yet it still represents one of the most urgent health problems
in the Commonwealth. Over 9 million Americans alive today have been diagnosed
with cancer, what continues to be the second leading cause of death in the
United States. In fact, one in every four deaths today in the United States is
from cancer, and according the American Cancer Society, almost 73,000
Pennsylvanians will be diagnosed with some form of cancer in 2004. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 In Northeast Pennsylvania alone, almost 5,000 people will be diagnosed with
the disease in a year, according to researchers at the Northeast Regional
Cancer Institute. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Armed with these staggering statistics, an unprecedented partnership by the
Pennsylvania Cancer Control Consortium was established with more than 190
stakeholders representing all sectors of the state - public, private, academic
and volunteer - to develop the Commonwealth's first-ever Comprehensive Cancer
Control Plan, which was officially presented by the Pennsylvania Department of
Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson on Jan. 27 in Harrisburg. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Over the years, addressing the full spectrum of the cancer problem from the
time of diagnosis through the balance of life has proven very difficult for
individual organizations. There are many different organizations involved in
distinct facets of the public health challenge - all working with the goal of
defeating cancer, though not always effectively collaborating on actions. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 The announcement of this plan brings together these agencies - banded
together in the fight to end cancer and help those diagnosed with cancer in
Pennsylvania. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Leaders from the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, the Susan G. Komen
Foundation, the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the American Cancer
Society, and literally every cancer-fighting agency in the state have pledged
to work together for the common cause. These entities will share resources,
exchange scientific data, and work together to address the cancer problem in
Pennsylvania. The results of this plan will enable agencies to address the
most urgent needs of Pennsylvania residents and combat this foe in a more
organized and effective way. The state's new Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan
will address the cancer burden, mobilize support statewide, build effective
partnerships and enhance the infrastructure to fight cancer on all levels, in
every comm~unity, saving lives, and helping those in need throughout
Pennsylvania, and pointedly, here in Northeast Pennsylvania. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Over the years, each organization involved in this process has made a
measurable and significant impact on the fight faced by all Pennsylvanians.
The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is proud to have played an active
leadership role in the Pennsylvania Cancer Control Consortium and is proud to
announce the plan that will direct the actions of tomorrow that will, someday,
help every Pennsylvanian live a cancer-free life. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Robert F. Durkin, president &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Northeast Regional Cancer Institute &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 Scranton &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Agencies Band Together To Bring About Cancer's End