Blumenauer Invites the Public to Discuss Prescription Drug Affordability

Congressman Earl Blumenauer invites the public to discuss prescription drug pricing and affordability. This open forum will be held Thursday, March 21, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. at Madison High School, 2735 NE 82nd Ave.

Drug prices have risen at an alarming rate, and Blumenauer says we need to protect the affordability of necessary medications. Newly developed drugs for cancer and rare diseases can cost more than $100,000 a year. For chronic conditions, the least expensive option, generic medicines, such as insulin, have tripled in cost between 2002-2013.

Blumenauer states that we should be providing better, more affordable care for all people, which includes access to affordable medicine. He wants to end the days of choosing between health and financial security.

The four-person panel will also include clinical professor Craig Williams from the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy. Williams is a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist and a fellow of the National Lipid Association. Pharmacotherapy refers to medical treatment by means of drugs.

Michelle Freedman from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation will also join the panel to talk about insulin pricing. To add to the discussion, Oregon Health & Science University bone marrow transplant coordinator Joan Morgan, will share her family’s personal story regarding access to prescription drugs.

The forum is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so RSVPs are strongly encouraged. Reserve a seat here. Call 503-231-2300 if additional accommodations are needed.

About the OSU College of Pharmacy: The College of Pharmacy prepares students to be pharmacy practitioners and pharmaceutical sciences researchers able to advance societal health through leadership in pharmacy education, research, community engagement, and improved patient care.