CHICAGO — Patients, health care providers and community leaders gathered March 1 at Chicago State University for a major 340B ACTION Day, celebrating a federal drug discount program many say has become a lifeline for Chicago families while calling on lawmakers to protect it through pending legislation.

The South Side rally brought together advocates from across Illinois to highlight the impact of the 340B Drug Pricing Program and urge the Illinois House to advance House Bill 2371, legislation designed to preserve access to discounted medications for community health centers and safety-net hospitals.

Held at Chicago State University in the city’s Roseland area, the event featured patient speakers, health care leaders and elected officials who described how the program supports affordable medications and vital services across Chicago neighborhoods.

The 340B program allows eligible hospitals and community health centers to purchase prescription medications at significantly reduced prices. Providers reinvest those savings into services such as cancer treatment, chronic disease management, behavioral health care, maternal health programs and “meds-to-beds” initiatives that ensure patients leave hospitals with the prescriptions they need.

Patient advocate Perla Herrera told attendees that the program has been essential to maintaining her health.

“340B affords me the ability to get life-sustaining medications, to have a better quality of life and a healthy life overall,” Herrera said.

Healthcare leaders said the program also plays a crucial role in keeping clinics open and services available in communities facing economic pressures and growing health needs.

Dr. James Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, said providers across Illinois are united in their support for protecting the program. Community health centers and safety-net hospitals, he said, “all stand together and want to protect 340B.” He urged House leadership to move forward with the legislation, telling lawmakers to “call the bill.”

Advocates warn that recent restrictions imposed by pharmaceutical manufacturers on how discounted medications can be dispensed have already reduced savings for some hospitals and clinics. Those limitations, they argue, could force providers to scale back programs that many patients rely on.

House Bill 2371 aims to restore the long-standing structure of the 340B program by preventing manufacturers from interfering with pharmacy partnerships used by hospitals and clinics to distribute discounted medications.

State Rep. Anna Moeller, the bill’s sponsor, said the legislation is about protecting patients who depend on affordable prescriptions.

“Access to affordable medication is not a luxury — it’s a lifeline,” Moeller said.

Organizers said the rally served both as a celebration of the program’s impact and a call for action. As healthcare costs continue to rise, advocates say protecting 340B will help ensure patients across Chicago can continue receiving affordable medications and essential care close to home.