Kettering Health has launched a new oral chemotherapy drug donation program. This is the second of its kind in the Greater Dayton area and among the few that exist in Ohio.

The Kettering Health Drug Repository Program accepts any orally administered drug used to treat cancer or its side effects. This also includes any orally administered “dangerous drug” (as defined by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy) used for these reasons.

To qualify as a recipient, Ohio residents must have a financial need and be unable to pay for their prescription. Patients of a non-profit clinic also qualify.

“Having this program at Kettering Health gives us another avenue to help those patients that cannot afford cancer medications due to high costs or limited insurance benefits,” said Kevin Blackburn, system pharmacy director at Kettering Health. “We are grateful to be able to provide our patients the needed care and relieve some of the burdens that come with their diagnosis.”

In October 2019, the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy introduced new state rules for drug repository programs. The rules allowed drug repository programs to receive eligible donated oral chemotherapy drugs. Then, the drugs are re-dispensed to patients who cannot afford their prescribed medications.