Programs that permit the donation of good, unused drugs to the needy owe their existence to the lobbying by families of patients. It all began 10 years ago with Garry Beltz, who owns a ceiling tile cleaning business near Akron, Ohio. After his wife, Karon, died of breast cancer in 1999, he was determined that the last evidence of her disease—$6,700 worth of prescription drugs—be put to good use helping others in need. "I took the medicine back to the hospital to ask if they would give it to someone at the cancer center," Beltz says. "They said it was against the law."

Frustrated, Beltz began lobbying his state representatives to change the regulations. A few years later, in 2002, his efforts paid off when the Ohio General Assembly  passed "Karon's Law," which became the first law in the U.S. to allow donations of unused medications to a repository. Since then, Beltz has been integral to the adoption of similar legislation in numerous other states. "I went from not knowing who my legislator was to being a very effective lobbyist," Beltz remarks.

Wisconsin's Barbara Scavone became similarly dedicated after losing her husband, Nick, to cancer in 2003. After giving his unused drugs to a relief organization in Afghanistan—at the time, medicines could be donated overseas but not domestically—she worked with the American Cancer Society to lobby for "Nick's Law." The Wisconsin legislature passed its drug repository bill in 2004.

These ground-breaking efforts and continued work by Beltz, who helped get similar laws passed in other states, have led to the widespread adoption of repository laws. Currently, 37 states have legislation permitting the donations.

3 Comments

1. 1. scientific earthling 07:04 PM 1/29/09

   I am sure the drug companies must be seething. Your article proves an ordinary person has the ability to change an immoral legislation designed to benefit the few rich individuals. Beware actors for the few trying to sabotage the new system.

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2. 2. DakotaB 04:10 AM 9/25/09

   Wilson Phillips is being looked at on the internet, in more numbers than they used to be looked at. It's because of Mackenzie Phillips, the sister of Chynna Phillips (the Phillips in the group) and her revealing of an incestuous relationship with her father, John Phillips from the Mamas and the Papas. (Dream a little dream – of incest! All the leaves are down, and he's disgusting!) So, for those who don't know – a little Wilson Phillips trivia – the Wilsons in the group are sisters, Carnie Wilson and Wendy Wilson, both of whom are the daughters of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys. They had one hit album, and then dropped off the scene. Still, Wilson Phillips did well for themselves, and probably aren't looking for <a rev="vote for" title="Need cash? Private money lenders can help" href="http://personalmoneystore.com/Payday-Lenders/money-Lenders/private-Money-Lenders/ ">private money lenders</a> these days.
   
   
   

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3. 3. DakotaB in reply to DakotaB 04:11 AM 9/25/09

   They had one hit album, and then dropped off the scene. Still, Wilson Phillips did well for themselves, and probably aren't looking for private money lenders these days. Pls. click this http://personalmoneystore.com/Payday-Lenders/money-Lenders/private-Money-Lenders/ for more details.
   
   
   

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