Chicago State Rally Renews Call to Protect 340B Drug Program as Legislative Pressure Builds

Patients, healthcare leaders, and community advocates will gather Sunday, March 1, at Chicago State University for the second 340B rally

CHICAGO — Patients, healthcare leaders, and community advocates will gather Sunday, March 1, at Chicago State University for the second 340B Saves Lives ACTION Day, continuing a growing push for Illinois lawmakers to protect a federal drug discount program supporters say is essential to keeping medications affordable and clinics open.

The rally, scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. at 9501 S. King Drive, follows a similar gathering last month that drew strong participation from community health centers, safety-net hospitals, patients, and elected officials. Organizers say the momentum is building as the General Assembly considers legislation aimed at protecting the 340B Drug Pricing Program from pharmaceutical manufacturer restrictions.

The 340B program allows eligible hospitals and community health centers to purchase medications at discounted prices and reinvest the savings into patient care — including reduced drug costs, expanded clinic services, preventive screenings, and behavioral health programs.

Supporters argue the program is especially critical in Chicago neighborhoods where safety-net providers serve large numbers of uninsured or underinsured patients. Leaders warn that ongoing industry efforts to limit the program could force clinics to reduce services or close sites entirely.

At the previous rally, Dr. James Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, framed the fight as both urgent and unified. “We decided to come together and say we are better together,” Brooks said. “We are in this fight together.” He also stressed urgency, telling attendees, “We are not taking no for an answer.”

Patient voices have reinforced that message. Chelsea Johnson, a cancer survivor and Lawndale Christian Health Center board chair, said affordable medications made possible through 340B have been lifesaving. “Our lives, our communities are at risk without it,” she said.

Healthcare executives say the stakes are not theoretical. Mahomed Ouedraogo, CEO of ACCESS Community Health Network, has warned that 340B savings are foundational to keeping clinics operational. “That’s the difference between us being here and not being here,” he said.

Sunday’s event will feature additional community health leaders including Ken Burnett of Christian Community Health Center, Dr. Lisa Green of Family Christian Health Center, Brooks, and Ouedraogo, along with leaders from St. Bernard Hospital, South Shore Hospital, and Roseland Community Hospital.

Organizers expect patient speakers, rally signs, and media interviews highlighting how the program affects families across Chicago and Illinois.

Advocates say the message to lawmakers is simple: protecting 340B means protecting access to affordable medications, sustaining community health centers, and ensuring that vulnerable patients continue receiving care close to home.

The event is open to the public, with organizers encouraging residents to attend and learn more about how the 340B program supports healthcare access across Chicago.