[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Newborn screenings can uncover neuromuscular disorders in a healthy-looking baby, allowing for early treatment. The 340B program has helped many parents facing the profound reality of a child who may never walk, talk or breathe on their own. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago treats over 400 patients with neuromuscular disorders such as spinal muscular atrophy and Duchenne muscular dystrophy—and 60% of the children come from low-income families covered by Medicaid.

As a 340B provider, the hospital can offer these patients new high-priced gene therapies. When the federal 340B program works as intended, economically disadvantaged parents have the medication their child needs and the hope that comes with it.

“Prior to these new therapies that have come out, [children with neuromuscular disorders] would usually pass away before their first birthday,” said Kristen Alianello, Lurie Children’s neuromuscular nurse coordinator. When administered early, she added, gene therapy can help these children live normal lives. “The 340B program is so important, especially in our organization and with our patient population of spinal muscular atrophy.”

In addition to covering high-cost medication, Lurie Children’s puts 340B savings toward supporting families, which includes counseling, emotional support, home modifications for patients who can’t walk and transportation for families with children using a wheelchair.

340B provides hope for children facing the most wrenching health challenges. Stand with patients and providers:

Vote YES to House Bill 2371 SA 2 —the Patient Access to Pharmacy Protection Act. Learn more.