2025 WINTER BULLETIN
AN IDEA BECOMES DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION TRANSFORMING CANCER CARE
The YesRx organization is kicking off this New Year with vigor for what more can be done. The depth and scale of collaboration that has happened since forming the Statewide YesRx Network of Cancer Drug Repository (CDR) Programs in August 2023, is radical proof of what can be achieved by and through a mission-aligned collective.
YesRx was founded to serve underserved and vulnerable people and communities with the premise that CDRs can be a solution that improves lives - from access to cancer medication that is life-changing for patients to critical resources that healthcare providers need for their patients and actionable steps that protect community health. YesRx is honored to be at the forefront of delivering this innovative solution for improving cancer medication access and eliminating cancer medication waste. This work could not be done without the collective strength and determination of the growing YesRx Network across Michigan and the professional support and collaboration from our endorsing organizations.
There is so much charitable work being done to better our world and YesRx is grateful to be here. YesRx is thriving because of the time and effort given by patients, families, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, physicians, nurses, care navigators, and social workers that keep the YesRx mission moving forward. We are ecstatic to share, as we enter this New Year, that so far over $10 million dollars in cancer medication has been provided to patients in Michigan, for free and more than $17 million dollars in cancer medication has been donated by individuals across the United States.
This early milestone proves what can be done for the greater good when we seek true collaboration and partnership every step of the way. We would like to thank all who made this possible and invite all who would like to join in the YesRx mission to advance health equity for underserved people and communities to reach out at hello@yesrx.org.
Cheers for you all!
“ Our patient was applying for grants to help with her medication cost, the prescription she needed right away would have cost her $1,100.
Thank you, YesRx!”
Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free
Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free
Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free
Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free
STATEWIDE CANCER DRUG REPOSITORY INNOVATION TIMELINE
2006: Michigan CDR Program Legislation Enacted - Michigan law allows individuals to donate cancer medication or supportive medications to be used by another individual.
2021: First Implementation Launched - The 1st Michigan CDR program is launched at MyMichigan Health in Midland, followed by Munson Healthcare in Traverse City, and Cancer and Hematology Centers in Grand Rapids.
2023: Future Sustainability Ignited - YesRx is founded as a 501(c)(3) and receives startup funding to launch the YesRx Network and establish the infrastructure and support for a Statewide Network of healthcare sites accessing CDR program resources for their patients. In less than 5 months, the YesRx Network grows to 18 healthcare sites.
2024: Significant Outcomes Achieved - The YesRx Network is established as the first Statewide CDR Network in the U.S. collectively providing CDR resources across 75% of Michigan counties. Within the first 12 months of YesRx Network operations, $7.1 million in cancer medication is provided to patients for free and $13.3 million in cancer medication is donated by patients, families, and caregivers to others in need. From publications to programming support in 2024, the YesRx approach is recognized as a sustainable solution to improving cancer medication access for vulnerable and underserved people and eliminating cancer medication waste in our communities.
2025: Community Resource Established - At the beginning of 2025, the YesRx Network comprised of 65 healthcare sites, serves 90% of Michigan counties and has reached over $10 million dollars in cancer medication provided to patients in need for free and more than $17 million in cancer medication prevented from waste.
DOING GOOD FOR PATIENTS AND COMMUNITIES
CDR resources can solve gaps in care for patients with cancer when they encounter a barrier to receiving the medication they need or for individuals who desire to donate cancer medication to others. YesRx works directly with medical practices to provide a bridge while care teams work to help patients that do not have health insurance, have changes in their health insurance coverage, lose assistance program support, and/or have assistance program or authorization requests that require long waiting periods. YesRx offers a simple way for individuals to donate cancer medication and supportive cancer medication, and know that it can be used by another patient in need.
IMPROVING PATIENT ACCESS TO CANCER MEDICATION
AND ELIMINATING CANCER MEDICATION WASTE TO PROTECT COMMUNITY HEALTH
Since June 2023, the YesRx Network has been working to increase and expand the availability of CDR programming in Michigan to improve access to cancer medication and protect community health. The impact of this work compounds daily with patients and families receiving critical support in times of great need, and communities being provided resources for donating cancer medications that can be repurposed for good.
MISSION-DRIVEN TO CREATE BETTER OUTCOMES
Over $10 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Provided to Patients in Michigan for Free
More than $17 Million Dollars in Cancer Medication Donated by Individuals
For equitable best practices to succeed, cancer care teams must be equipped with the support and resources needed to deliver quality care that addresses disparities in novel and accessible ways. YesRx was created to serve patients and all who provide cancer care with an innovative and actionable solution for improving access to cancer medication. The real life experiences of who YesRx serves matters most.
EXPERIENCES MATTER
“ When you have cancer everything is difficult. The (YesRx) process for me has been really easy. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone. ”
Elizabeth, Breast Cancer Patient
“ Being a part of YesRx has been one of the most satisfying things in my career to date. It makes a world of difference for everyone involved in it.”
Katie Sias, PharmD, BCOP, Oncology Pharmacist at MYMICHIGAN HEALTH
Maja Gibbons, Pharm D, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Oncology at COREWELL HEALTH GRAND RAPIDS
“YesRx has made a tremendous impact on our patients! Through YesRx, we have been able to increase access to anticancer medications as well as decrease medication waste. YesRx has allowed us to initiate patients on treatment faster and assist our patients who are experiencing financial toxicity or insurance coverage issues. Additionally, patients have appreciated the ability to donate their unused medications knowing that it may positively impact another cancer patient in the state of Michigan.”
Jo Ann Hirth, MD at HENRY FORD HEALTH HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY - JACKSON
“It is so comforting to know that patients have another option available to assist them especially in the early phase of their treatment when anxiety can be very high. I have also had several patients comment on how grateful they are to be able to donate their unused meds and help someone else.”
Kaitlyn DeGrace, NP at COREWELL HEALTH GRAND RAPIDS
“I’ve seen firsthand how YesRx improves access to medications for our patients. Recently, a patient of mine was able receive her medication weeks earlier than anticipated, allowing her to start treatment sooner and avoid complications. This service has made a profound and positive difference, ensuring patients get timely access to their treatment.”
Laura Nadeau, MD, FACP at HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY CONSULTANTS, P.C a division of Michigan Healthcare Professionals ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, WILLIAM BEAUMONT HOSPITAL OAKLAND UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
“When we heard about YesRx during the bi-annual MOQC meeting we were extremely excited about the potential resources that would be available for our patients. We started working with YesRx immediately and have been able to obtain free donated cancer medications for many of our patients who were struggling to afford copayments and/or awaiting copayment assistance/ manufacturer funding. With the ever rapidly changing and growing field of oncology, new oral treatments are continuously being introduced. While these therapies allow our patients to continue their fight, the copays can be extremely restrictive for some patients. YesRx has allowed our patients to be able to start their therapies in a timely manner and decrease their financial stress so they can continue to focus on fighting their disease.“
Lisa Stevens, RN at HENRY FORD HEALTH HEMATOLOGY & ONCOLOGY - JACKSON
“My experience with the YesRx Program has been nothing but exceptional from the very beginning. The amount of information and support provided by Siobhan Norman and Emily Mackler and the extremely timely manner in which they respond to e-mails/questions has made the process of getting needed medications to our patients seamless. Patients that are able to donate medications always express great appreciation for the YesRx Program. They feel it provides them with a way to assist someone else in need of (often) very expensive medications. Thank you YesRx!”
Julie Boylan, RN, BSN at HEMATOLOGY ONCOLOGY CONSULTANTS, P.C. a division of Michigan Healthcare Professionals
“YesRx provides a simple process for accessing medication for our patients, and has also allowed us to donate medications to other cancer patients across the State of Michigan.“
WHERE COLLABORATION THRIVES, REMARKABLE OUTCOMES PERSIST
The Michigan Cancer Drug Repository (CDR) Program was created to serve all patients with cancer. YesRx created the YesRx Network to provide all clinicians who care for patients and all communities impacted by cancer with CDR programming access that truly makes a difference in a life. CDR programs are a sustainable solution that use existing resources for good. The act of repurposing valuable cancer medication serves patients with improved access, supports individuals who desire to donate medication, and protects land and waterways from medication waste. In only 16-months of operations, the YesRx Network has expanded to over 65 healthcare sites across Michigan.
STATEWIDE COLLABORATION
At the start of 2025, 90% of counties in Michigan are accessing CDR resources through sites across the YesRx Network. Cancer care teams at these sites provide CDR resources that directly benefit their patients and communities.
MyMichigan
Midland
Alpena
Gladwin
West Branch
Mt Pleasant
Sault Ste Marie
Trinity Health
Ypsilanti
Oakland
Brighton
Canton
Chelsea
Livonia
Grand Rapids
Corewell Health
Grand Rapids
Greenville
Reed City
Henry Ford-Jackson
Cancer and Leukemia Center-Sterling Heights
Huron Medical Center-Port Huron
Aspire Rural Healthcare
Cass City
Marlette
Munson Healthcare
Traverse City
Otsego
Cadillac
Kalkaska
Manistee
Grayling
Charlevoix
Bronson Healthcare
Battle Creek
Kalamazoo
McLaren Karmanos
Bay City
Bad Axe
Flint
Lansing
Mt. Clemens
Mt. Pleasant
Petoskey
Pontiac
Clarkston
Lapeer
Detroit
Roseville
Farmington Hills
Cancer and Hematology Centers
Big Rapids
Flint
Garden City
Grand Rapids
Holland
Kenmoor
Michigan Cancer Specialists
Muskegon
Red Cedar Oncology
START Midwest
Covenant Healthcare-Saginaw
Michigan Healthcare Professionals - Royal Oak
University of Michigan Health
Ann Arbor
Brighton
Lansing
Wyoming
Ascension
Warren
Macomb
Grosse Pointe Woods
UP Health-Marquette
Marshfield Medical Center-Iron Mountain
NATIONWIDE COLLABORATION
The impactful work being done by the YesRx Network across Michigan has engaged interest and support from individuals in other States who desire to help improve cancer medication access and eliminate cancer medication waste. Michigan legislation allows any individual in the U.S. to donate eligible cancer medication and supportive cancer medications. In States where access to CDR programs is limited, individuals are sending cancer medication donations to the Michigan CDR program, and those donations are reaching patients in Michigan. YesRx would like to recognize the thoughtfulness of individuals in these States and the support they are extending that drives the YesRx mission forward. YesRx welcomes all who desire more information to click on this link to donate medication or send an email to: hello@yesrx.org.
Every gift can change the life of a patient with cancer and provide ease to many along the cancer journey.
YesRx is a 501(c)(3) organization founded to serve care teams, patients, and communities by providing an easy solution to improving cancer medication access and ending cancer medication waste. YesRx is able to do this life-saving work due to charitable contributions from organizations and individuals and direct funding from mission-aligned entities. This funding enables YesRx Network resources to be provided at no cost - from shipping cancer medication to cancer clinics across Michigan, providing the administrative and operational support needed to implement and manage CDR programming at healthcare sites of all sizes, to collecting cancer medication donations from individuals across the U.S. When you consider YesRx in your charitable giving, you can be assured that every dollar received by YesRx is applied toward making a difference in lives of careteams, patients, families, and communities everyday.
You can make a gift today via PayPal by clicking this link or contact YesRx at hello@yesrx.org.
If interested in IRA QCDs or IRA Charitable Rollovers, click here for a form.
2024 PRESENTED AND PUBLISHED WORKS
March 2024: YesRx Early Outcomes Published in The Oncologist
YesRx work received peer-reviewed publication in The Oncologist, dedicated to translating the latest research developments into the best multidimensional care for cancer patients. The March 2024 publication highlights Statewide Cancer Drug Repository Reducing Waste.
September 2024: YesRx Goes to the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
San Francisco ASCO Quality Care Symposium this year featured the Influence of a Community Practice Innovation on a Statewide Cancer Drug Repository Network, outcomes from the grassroots efforts of community-based clinican oncology pharmacists resulting in the first CDR programs in Michigan and the fortuitous formation of the first of its kind statewide cancer drug repository network, YesRx.
Click here for poster presentation and click here for the abstract presentation
December 2024: YesRx Debuts at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
New Orleans ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting featured student research on Optimizing the Process of Turning Unused Oncology Medications into Second Changes: A Qualitative Improvement Initiative of a Cancer Drug Repository Program.
Cancer Medication Donation Days in Michigan
FEBRUARY 3 - 7, 2025
OCTOBER 20 -25, 2025
Cancer Medication Donation Days are for all individuals who desire to donate cancer medication and/or supportive cancer medication. Interested individuals are welcome to bring unopened, unexpired medication to a YesRx Network site during business hours and a pharmacist or careteam member will be there to help with your donation.
Cancer Medication Donation Days in Michigan will take place during two weeks in 2025, February 3 - 7 and October 20-25.
Cancer medication donations can be made any day of the year, YesRx is here to help.
Creating a Brighter Path Forward
YesRx is on a mission to advance health equity and safeguard community wellbeing while protecting environmental health in Michigan’s most vulnerable counties.
Native Americans have the poorest 5-year relative survival rate for all cancers and they experience greater barriers to receiving healthcare, including getting the cancer medications they need.* Over 50% of all patients with cancer experience extreme financial burden with average annual costs for a single cancer treatment exceeding $200,000, resulting in more than 40% of patients spending their life savings in the first 2 years of treatment. The financial burden of cancer treatment influences food insecurity, and other social factors that negatively influence survival rates, as patients are 4x more likely to abandon their cancer prescription if their cost is more than $500, compared to $100 or less.** ***
CDR programming is a viable solution for eliminating financial barriers to cancer medication access and preserving land and waterways. YesRx is honored to receive critical grant funding from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund (Health Fund) and the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) to address cancer care and community health inequities impacting tribal communities across Michigan. The support received from the Health Fund’s Community Health Impact Grant enables YesRx to partner with the Inter-Tribal Council of Michigan to work alongside tribal communities through the implementation of CDR programming that can provide sustainable, long-lasting community benefits. The Environmental Justice Impact Grant from EGLE will further support CDR programming implementation for expanded access to CDR resources across 12 federally recognized tribes, the lands, and waterways in 57 Michigan counties. This good work is only just beginning, Click here to follow along with YesRx Good News as we share progress.
*Zahnd WE, Hung P, Crouch EL, Ranganathan R, Eberth JM. Health care access barriers among metropolitan and nonmetropolitan populations of eight geographically diverse states, 2018. J Rural Health. 2024 Jun 14. doi: 10.1111/jrh.12855. PMID: 38877611.
** American Indians, Alaska Natives, Social Determinants Of Health CJON 2020, 24(1), 107-110. DOI: 10.1188/20.CJON.107-110 https://www.ons.org/cjon/24/1/american-indians-and-alaska-natives-resolving-disparate-cancer-outcomes. Accessed July 9, 2024
***Carrera PM, Kantarjian HM, Blinder VS. The financial burden and distress of patients with cancer: Understanding and stepping-up action on the financial toxicity of cancer treatment. CACancer J Clin. 2018 Mar;68(2):153-165. doi: 10.3322/caac.21443.