Good News: Cancer Widower Wins Legislative Crusade to Donate Wife's Drugs
When Karon Beltz died of cancer in 1999, her husband, Garry, had to flush down the toilet $6,700 worth of cancer medicine that could have been used to help save the life of someone else. Now, after Beltz's three year crusade, Ohio has become the first state in the nation to allow unopened drugs to be donated to patients who can't afford them.
On January 8, Governor Bob Taft signed 'Karon's Law,' which was introduced by State Rep. Kirk Schuring (R-Canton) who himself lost a wife to cancer and had to throw away thousands of dollars worth of prescription drugs. A lot of people, particularly politicians, talk about fixing the high cost of prescription drugs. This is truly doing something effective.
The bill requires the state pharmacy board to establish a program that will permit individuals or health care facilities to donate drugs in their original, sealed, tamper-evident packaging to income-eligible Ohioans through free clinics and pharmacies that volunteer to participate.
Inspiration Point: Honor your discontent. 'Progress is not created by contented people.'
- Frank Tyger
