WASHINGTON, DC [07/25/19]—Tomorrow, U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minn.) and patients from across the country will gather in front of the U.S. Capitol to demand bold action to lower prescription drug prices. Sen. Smith will be joined by fellow lawmakers, as well as advocates, to highlight the need for Congress to address this pressing issue.
The press conference will occur right before the House Committee on Oversight and Reform holds a hearing with patients, titled “The Patient Perspective: The Devastating Impacts of Skyrocketing Drug Prices on American Families.” It also coincides with the Center for Popular Democracy’s patient bus trip to Canada to purchase cheaper prescription drugs over the border.
Prescription drug expenditures have risen by nearly $300 billion since 1980, the price for patients using insulin has tripled over the past decade, and pharmaceutical companies are reaping higher and higher profits while working families struggle to afford life-saving health care. In response, politicians and advocates are coming together to amplify patient stories and to demand that our lawmakers take bold action to combat the rising cost of prescription drugs.
WHEN: Friday, July 26 at 9:00 AM EST
WHERE: U.S. Capitol Grounds, Area #11
WHO:
U.S. Senator Tina Smith (D-MN)
Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX 35)
State Sen. Yvanna Cancela (D-NV)
Candis Watterson, Type 1 Diabetic from North Carolina
Sa’ra Skipper, Type 1 Diabetic from Indiana
Lyn Carver, Type 2 Diabetic, Member of Down Home North Carolina and People’s Action
Laura Wright, Rheumatoid Arthritis Patient from Iowa
Catherine Easterling, Spinal Stenosis, Atrial Fibrillation, Pulmonary Embolism and Diabetes patient from Maryland
RSVP:
Members of the media planning to attend should RSVP to press@affordableinsulinnow.org.