The Governor's Task Force to Conquer Cancer will hold a series of hearings starting next week to get input from the public. The 21-member panel has begun to hear from experts about Maryland's high cancer rates and existing programs and research.

Formed two weeks ago as one of three initiatives from the $4 billion the state is receiving over 25 years from a tobacco industry settlement, the task force will address prevention, education, research and treatment.

It will make its recommendations about the state's needs and how best to address them in a report, due Nov. 1, to Gov. Parris N. Glendening.

All hearings will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.:

La Plata, Sept. 1, Charles County Government, 200 Baltimore St.

Cambridge, Sept. 2, Dorchester County Department of Social Services, 627 Race St.

Baltimore, Sept. 7, Johns Hopkins Health Systems, 600 N. Wolfe St.

Hagerstown, Sept. 8, Washington County Health Department, 1302 Pennsylvania Ave.

Largo, Sept. 9, RMS Building, 1400 McCormick Drive.

Rockville, Sept. 21, ICB Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe St.

Baltimore, Sept. 22, Sandtown-Winchester Community Building, 1114 N. Mount St.

Pub Date: 8/26/99