US: Guam Tobacco Tax Helps Cancer Patients

Source from:  guampdn.com 04/28/2013

Hundreds of Guam cancer patients are benefiting from an increase in the tobacco sin tax implemented in 2010.

The increase in the tobacco tax -- which tripled, from $1 to $3 per pack of cigarettes in 2010 -- provided a significant financial windfall for the government of Guam.

In fiscal 2012, the Healthy Futures Fund, where the tobacco tax is deposited, collected more than $8.9 million from cigarette sales, according to data from the Bureau of Budget and Management Research.

Charitable and nonprofit organizations that provide education, screening and treatment for cancer are guaranteed a 15-percent share of the tobacco revenue, through a program administered by the University of Guam. The "Guam Cancer Trust Fund" is overseen by the university and money that goes into the fund is given to organizations that apply for funding.

The Healthy Futures Fund gave a significant amount to the Guam Cancer Trust Fund. A financial report from Dec. 2012 shows the fund had more than $1 million. The money is then distributed to organizations helping to fight cancer.

Kristina Torres, program coordinator at UOG Graduate Studies, Research and Sponsored Programs, which oversees the fund, said the organization will issue a call for applicants soon.

Torres said organizations can request money from the fund by picking up a Request for Proposals from the office located at the UOG nursing building. Applicants will go through a process to ensure the money will go to organizations that will use the money well, Torres said.

Bruce San Nicolas, who oversees the Cancer Trust Fund, said applicants ask for a certain amount in the RFP process. So far, organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the Edward M. Calvo Cancer Foundation and Guam Cancer Care have benefitted from cancer fund money. Enditem