Avita Expands Medication Access With New Drug Repository Program

Avita Health System is expanding its fight for affordable healthcare with the launch of a Drug Repository Program at its hospitals in Bucyrus, Galion, and Ontario. The initiative marks a significant new chapter in Avita’s ongoing mission to improve access to life-sustaining medications for patients across North Central Ohio.

The program, designed to give unused, unexpired prescription medications a second life, allows individuals and organizations to donate these drugs for redistribution to qualified patients—completely free of charge. Every donation will be carefully vetted by licensed pharmacists to ensure safety and compliance with Ohio State Board of Pharmacy standards.

“This is truly a solution for a number of scenarios we encounter all the time,” explained Brad Schwartz, Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager at Avita. “Whether it’s from a change in therapy or a loved one passing away, these medications often end up being disposed of. Now, they can help someone in need instead.”

A Legacy of Access and Innovation

This new effort builds on the overwhelming success of Avita’s Medication Access Program, launched in 2022 to break down financial barriers to vital prescriptions. That program helped patients secure more than $10 million worth of medications last year alone. Most of these were expensive brand-name drugs used to manage chronic diseases like diabetes, kidney disease, and heart failure.

Led by pharmacists and a dedicated pharmacy technician at each hospital’s Medication Management Center, the team assists patients in navigating financial aid options—everything from manufacturer assistance and copay savings cards to therapeutic alternatives.

“Through this work, we’ve met many patients who wished they could donate the meds they no longer needed,” said Schwartz. “This new repository program makes that wish a reality, while reinforcing our people-centered model of care.”

A Statewide Leader in Drug Redistribution

Avita is taking an uncommon step by integrating the repository directly into all three of its hospitals. While most health systems in Ohio have only one donation site with limited acceptance capabilities, Avita’s model is more comprehensive.

“This is a unique effort,” said Christina Barnes, Director of Pharmacy Services. “We can accept a broader range of medications and distribute them more effectively, including for patients leaving the hospital or receiving care through our ambulatory pharmacy network. It’s especially important as we expand services like oncology.”

In 2023, Ohio lawmakers updated regulations around drug repository programs, clearing the way for hospitals to accept and redistribute a greater variety of medications. Avita seized the opportunity.

How Patients Can Qualify and How to Donate

To receive medications, individuals must be referred by a healthcare provider, live in Ohio, and meet income or insurance-related criteria. The Drug Repository also supports inpatients with unmet prescription needs, ensuring they don’t leave the hospital empty-handed.

“No one should have to choose between filling a prescription and buying groceries,” said Schwartz. “We’re taking this mission one step further by repurposing medications that would otherwise go to waste.”

Donation drop-off locations include: