Patients for Affordable Drugs:

Changing the Game on Prescription Costs

By Kim Callinan

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In the GSD for Social Good blog, I aim to spotlight organizations and leaders tackling the world’s biggest challenges with grit, ingenuity, and determination. Thanks to an invitation from my friend and former colleague, Gloria Johnson-Cusack—a trailblazing leader with a proven track record of impact and a member of the board of Patients For Affordable Drugs—I had the privilege of attending the organization’s end-of-year event. Patients For Affordable Drugs and its leadership epitomizes the spirit of getting stuff done for social good. Their goal?  To ensure life-saving medications are affordable and accessible to everyone.

The Vision Behind the Movement
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David Mitchell, the organization’s founder, is a visionary leader with whom I had the honor of working during my time at GMMB. As a founding partner of the firm, David built a reputation for conceptualizing social marketing campaigns that drove meaningful change. His life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The staggering costs of the medications keeping him alive inspired him to action. Recognizing that many patients don’t have the resources to afford life-saving treatments, David boldly decided to leave GMMB and dedicate himself fully to creating Patients For Affordable Drugs, a nonprofit dedicated to amplifying patients’ voices nationwide to ensure that people can access the prescription drugs they need at prices they can afford.

Under David’s leadership—and with the support of its dynamic Executive Director, Merith Basey—in just over seven years, the organization has grown into a powerful advocacy organization that provides a beacon of hope for patients seeking access to life-saving and life-sustaining drugs. Its commitment to prioritize patients over profits demonstrates what it means to get things done for social good. Fortunately for all of us, they are making progress. 

2024: A Year of Big Wins
This year marked a series of historic milestones for Patients For Affordable Drugs. Most notably, the organization played a crucial role in securing the implementation of Medicare-negotiated drug prices, a victory that will save millions of Americans money on their prescriptions. This monumental achievement resulted from relentless advocacy that brought patients’ stories directly to decision-makers.

Despite fierce resistance from pharmaceutical companies, including multiple lawsuits to block these reforms, the organization stood firm, supporting legal filings that helped secure eight initial legal victories that have so far upheld the Medicare negotiation program. Their impact didn’t stop there—ten of their advocates had the honor of introducing the President or Vice President of the United States at events, clearly indicating how quickly the organization has established itself as a leader in this fight.

The Heart of the Movement
What sets Patients For Affordable Drugs apart is the deeply personal connection its staff and advocates have to the mission. The organization’s Executive Director, Merith Basey, is a force of nature whose leadership is undeniable and whose enthusiasm is infectious. During the event, it was evident that the staff viewed the issue not as a job but as a calling. Many of them bring their own experiences with the high cost of prescription drugs, which fuels their passion and commitment to the cause.

The evening also celebrated the stories of patient advocates. Judy Aiken a retired nurse who became a powerful voice for change after paying $9,000 out of pocket for just one of the drugs she needed, was given a patient advocacy award. Judy’s story reminded everyone in the room of the profound human impact of this work.

Merith reminded attendees of an important truth: this isn’t a partisan issue. At a time of intense political division, the cost of prescription drugs is one of the few topics that unites Americans. With nine out of ten people agreeing that medications are too expensive, bipartisan progress is not only necessary—it’s possible.

Looking Forward 
The energy in the room at their celebration wasn’t just about celebrating past victories—it was about fueling the fight ahead. The work is far from over, but Patients For Affordable Drugs has already proven that real change is possible when determined, visionary leaders unite around a shared mission. To learn more about their work and how you can support this vital cause, visit Patients for Affordable Drugs. Together, we can ensure that life-saving medications are accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford them.  

If you have a recommendation on other organizations or individuals who are Getting Stuff Done for Social Good, please send recommendations to me at [email protected].  ​