On May 14, 2002, President George W. Bush signed the Hematologic Cancer Research Investment and Education Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-172) that directed the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director, through the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Director, to conduct and support research on blood cancer research programs, particularly with respect to leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) was directed to establish and carry out an information and education program.