Kansas pharmacist helps get $20M in donated medication

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A staff pharmacist in Kansas helped spur a change in state law that has led to $20 million in donations of unused prescription medications to low-income and uninsured residents.

The Kansas City Star reports that Tim Reel looked on last week at the Duchesne Clinic in Kansas City, Kansas, as leaders of drug company OptumRx, United Healthcare and Gov. Jeff Colyer celebrated the millions of dollars in prescription drugs donated to tens of thousands of Kansas residents who can’t afford it.

The donations began 10 years ago when Reel spoke with his boss at OptumRx about donating unused medications.

The Kansas State Board of Pharmacy then worked with lawmakers on a bill to allow donations of unused, unopened prescription drugs thanks to a grant from the state Health Department.