South Side Rally at Chicago State Renews Call to Protect 340B Care

SOUTH SIDE -- Patients, healthcare workers and community leaders will gather Sunday at Chicago State University for the second 340B Saves Lives ACTION Day, renewing calls for lawmakers to protect a federal drug discount program that many South Side families rely on for affordable medications and care.

The rally, scheduled from 3 to 4 p.m. at 9501 S. King Drive, follows a February event in North Lawndale that drew strong turnout from safety-net providers and patients urging action on House Bill 2371. Supporters say the legislation would prevent pharmaceutical manufacturers from restricting access to discounted 340B medications — protections they argue are urgently needed.

“The 340B program allows eligible hospitals and community health centers to stretch limited resources, providing affordable medications and essential health care services to low-income, urban and rural uninsured patients,” organizers said ahead of Sunday’s gathering.

South Side providers say those savings are not abstract — they directly support clinics and hospitals serving neighborhoods like Roseland, South Shore and Greater Grand Crossing. Leaders from St. Bernard Hospital, South Shore Hospital and Roseland Community Hospital are expected to participate, alongside executives from Christian Community Health Center, Family Christian Health Center, Lawndale Christian Health Center and ACCESS Community Health Network.

At the previous rally, Dr. James Brooks, CEO of Lawndale Christian Health Center, stressed that providers are united behind the push for legislative action. “We are better together,” Brooks told attendees. “We are not taking no for an answer.”

Patient advocate Chelsea Johnson shared how affordable medications supported through 340B have been lifesaving for her as she manages cancer and chronic conditions. “Our lives, our communities are at risk without it,” she said, warning that rising prescription costs could quickly become unmanageable without the program.

Healthcare executives echoed concerns about sustainability. Mahomed Ouedraogo, CEO of ACCESS Community Health Network, said 340B savings are foundational to keeping community clinics open and staffed. “That’s the difference between us being here and not being here,” he said.

Organizers say ongoing restrictions imposed by pharmaceutical manufacturers threaten to weaken the program, potentially forcing providers to cut services. They argue that protecting 340B costs taxpayers nothing while preserving critical care infrastructure in communities already facing economic pressures.

As lawmakers continue the spring session in Springfield, Sunday’s rally is intended to keep attention on the issue. Advocates say the message from the South Side is clear: protecting 340B means protecting access to affordable medications and ensuring community health centers and safety-net hospitals remain strong for the families who depend on them.