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This week, we are joined by Coletta Barrett, vice president of mission at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center. Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) is using its 340B savings to pursue health equity initiatives. Coletta shares best practices and provides inspiration for how 340B professionals can work toward eliminating health disparities in their hospitals and communities. Before the interview, we share updates on a new 340B Health survey report demonstrating the harm to hospitals and patients of drug company restrictions on discounts for drugs dispensed at community and specialty contract pharmacies. 

How 340B Savings Help Hospitals Pursue Health Equity

OLOL has used 340B savings to expand services to underserved areas in Baton Rouge, La. Coletta gives examples on how the health system is investing those resources into expanding access to care for the uninsured and underinsured. 

Collecting Data to Address Health Disparities

Coletta gives advice on how hospitals can collect, analyze, and apply data to address health disparities in their communities. She explains how such data enabled OLOL to determine that it needed to open another emergency room, bring social workers into certain departments, and establish more relationship-based care. 

Partnering With Others to Address Social Determinants of Health

OLOL recognized that food insecurity and lack of access to COVID vaccines were negatively affecting its community. Coletta explains how the health system partnered with established community-based organizations and trusted resources to reach underserved areas.

Check out all of our episodes on the 340B Insight podcast website. You also can stay updated on all 340B Health news and information by visiting our homepage. If you have any questions you’d like us to cover in this podcast, email us at [email protected]. 

Episode Resources:

1. 340B Health Survey Report: Financial Losses from Drug Companies’ 340B Restrictions Have More Than Doubled Since the End of 2021
2. Joint Statement from Leading HIV/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Advocates Regarding Manufacturer Action on the 340B Drug Pricing Program
3. 340B Coalition Summer Conference 2022