May 12, 2022

Cleveland Clinic Program Helps Reduce Financial Barriers to Care for Cancer Patients

New cancer center drug repository program is one of only a few of its kind in the State of Ohio

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Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center has initiated a drug repository program for orally administered drugs used in cancer treatment and management of side effects for patients who are experiencing financial hardship. Prescriptions processed through the drug repository program will be provided at no charge to the patient.

“Many cancer patients face emotional and financial difficulties,” said Katherine Matthews, pharmacist with Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center, Mansfield. “Providing cancer medications at no charge for eligible Cleveland Clinic patients is a meaningful way we can reduce barriers to care and support our patients throughout their treatment.”

The State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy allows for donation programs for orally administered prescription drugs that treat cancer, its complications and side effects from treatment. Cleveland Clinic’s program receives donations of medications from patients and distributes them to Cleveland Clinic patients who are residents of Ohio and meet eligibility standards. A patient-needs assessment determines eligibility.

“Access to potentially lifesaving medication is a critical component of our patients’ cancer treatment journey,” said Jame Abraham, M.D., chair of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Department at Cleveland Clinic. “This initiative by our pharmacy department will help meet this need.”

Outpatient pharmacies in Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center locations in Mansfield and Sandusky, as well as Taussig Cancer Center on main campus in Cleveland, will accept medication donations during normal business hours. Potential donors must complete a form that details donor information and drug eligibility. For individuals interested in more information about the program or donating, reach out to one of the participating Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center pharmacies: Mansfield, 419-774-3121; Sandusky, 419-609-2845; and Cleveland, 216-445-2124.

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. Cleveland Clinic is consistently recognized in the U.S. and throughout the world for its expertise and care. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 81,000 employees worldwide are more than 5,743 salaried physicians and researchers, and 20,160 registered nurses and advanced practice providers, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic is a 6,690-bed health system that includes a 173-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 23 hospitals, 276 outpatient facilities, including locations in northeast Ohio; Florida; Las Vegas, Nevada; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2023, there were 13.7 million outpatient encounters, 323,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 301,000 surgeries and procedures throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 132 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CleClinicNews. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.

Editor’s Note: Cleveland Clinic News Service is available to provide broadcast-quality interviews and B-roll upon request.

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