The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy and service.

Description:
The ACS vision is to cut cancer deaths in half and reduce new cancers by 25% and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families by the year 2015. ACS collaborates with all organizations who work towards that goal and serves the public in all its constituencies. It offers many free programs, services and events to people in healthcare, education, community, church, workplace and special populations. It advocates to eliminate disparities in access and treatment and supports cancer-preventive legislation. It is the largest private funder of cancer research, with 32 Nobel laureates and over a billion dollars.

History:
The Marin Unit of the American Cancer Society has served this county for close to 50 years. It promotes healthy nutrition and exercise, the SmokeFree Coalition, early screenings for colorectal, skin, prostate, breast, cervical cancer. Its Services include: health education and speakers program, Road to Recovery free transportation to and from treatments; Look Good Feel Better workshops supporting the morale of women with cancer; Active for Life workplace programs; Spring Into Health, Generation Fit and Teens Kick Ash/Great American SmokeOut programs in schools, community events: Relays for Life, Daffodil Days, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Cancer Survivors Network, Prostate Cancer Mens Support Groups, Discovery Shop resale stores in Novato and Mill Valley, and a 24/7/365 Information Line 800-ACS-2345 and www.cancer.org website.

Contact people:

Lillie Kocher, Health Programs Manager, (phone), (email) Linda Garroutte, Director, (phone), (email) Ivy Bushnell Jackson, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)

Address:

750 Lindaro Street, Suite 120 San Rafael, CA 94901 (See a map)