February 17, 2025

Angels for Change Launches Project GOLD to Tackle Cancer Drug Shortages

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI)

Community Resource Consultants Inc. (CRCI) is a Michigan-based organization specializing in trauma rehabilitation medical case management. With over 34 years of experience, CRCI is dedicated to empowering survivors of catastrophic auto accidents to regain control of their lives and achieve both physical and emotional well-being. Their team of Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSWs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) are experts in navigating the complexities of today’s healthcare system, ensuring that survivors receive the necessary services for their recovery and rehabilitation. CRCI’s core values include advocacy, people, knowledge, and dependability, reflecting their commitment to being leading advocates and facilitators of long-term collaborative care.

News Summary

Angels for Change (A4C) has launched Project GOLD, a new initiative aimed at addressing the critical issue of cancer drug shortages. The project focuses on creating an onshore buffer supply of six essential oncology medications, ensuring patients receive uninterrupted care. In collaboration with major pharmaceutical distributors, A4C aims to reduce treatment delays caused by drug shortages and improve the overall reliability of the cancer medication supply chain.

Angels for Change Takes A Stand Against Cancer Drug Shortages with Project GOLD

In an exciting and much-needed move, Angels for Change (A4C) has officially kicked off the pilot launch of Project GOLD, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at combating the pressing issue of cancer drug shortages. This pioneering project is set to create an onshore buffer supply of six essential medications critical for cancer treatment, providing much-needed stability in care during turbulent times.

Why Project GOLD Matters

As drug shortages continue to plague healthcare providers across the nation, Project GOLD emerges as a beacon of hope. With a focus on enhancing the availability of vital oncology medications, this program emphasizes collaboration and proactive engagement among various stakeholders. A4C is not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk. They’re teaming up with top-tier pharmaceutical distributors and manufacturers to create an emergency supply that can be accessed when necessary, ensuring that patients receive uninterrupted care during these shortages.

The esteemed founding pilot members of this exciting initiative include pharmaceutical wholesalers Cencora and McKesson, along with medtech manufacturer Fresenius Kabi. Each partner plays a crucial role in establishing a robust supply chain with redundancy and reliability, aiming to shield patients from the consequences of medication shortages.

Phase 1: Laying the Groundwork

The initial phase of Project GOLD focuses on several key areas: proactive engagement, buffer inventories, collaboration, and patient advocacy. By addressing these critical aspects, the program aims to effectively reduce disruptions in patient care. Imagine a world where cancer patients don’t have to worry about their medications running out—this initiative aims to make that a reality!

So far, Project GOLD has already hit three significant milestones since it began, showcasing its early effectiveness. The goals of this innovative program extend beyond the short term. The plan is to maintain a comprehensive onshore emergency supply of all oncology medications that are at risk of shortages. By working closely together, the founding members are dedicated to preventing the rationing of care for patients facing cancer-related health challenges.

Connecting Resources

A key aspect of this initiative is the integration of existing resiliency programs with the A4C Drug Shortage Hotline, creating a powerful tool for facilitating patient care. This hotline connects patients with the necessary resources and information they may need during these challenging times.

While the pilot program will run for six months, its success could ignite a larger movement within the healthcare industry. If successful, this endeavor could lead to a permanent shift toward ensuring that patients always have access to the medications they need when they need them.

The Bigger Picture

Let’s take a step back to consider the concerning backdrop against which Project GOLD has emerged. According to recent reports, a staggering 99% of hospital pharmacists have faced at least one essential drug shortage daily. Even more concerning, over half of those pharmacists have had to delay or cancel patient treatments due to these shortages, a situation that has hit cancer therapies particularly hard. Oncology products currently stand as the largest class of medicines facing shortages in 2023.

The founders of A4C have a solid track record, previously managing multi-stakeholder pilots aimed at improving drug availability, and they’re determined to succeed in this mission as well. Since its founding in 2019, A4C has been focused on tackling drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and creating a resilient supply chain—all crucial ingredients for a healthier and more equitable healthcare landscape.

What Lies Ahead

As Project GOLD embarks on its journey, the commitment to ensuring access to essential medications for oncology patients is stronger than ever. By building strategic partnerships within the pharmaceutical supply chain and emphasizing shared responsibility among all stakeholders, Project GOLD is paving the way for a more stable drug supply and, ultimately, better patient outcomes.

With support for patients at the heart of this initiative, the future looks brighter—and it’s thanks to innovative projects like GOLD that we can strive for an uninterrupted flow of essential medications for all those fighting cancer.