10/31/2025
Care Doesn’t Shut Down: Why 340B Matters in Indiana
The government shut down continues! When government funding stalls or stops the most vulnerable families feel it first — especially those already struggling to afford healthcare and medications. But the 340B Drug Program keeps working, no matter what happens in Washington.
340B allows community health centers and rural clinics to buy outpatient medications at a discount from drug manufacturers. The savings aren’t taxpayer dollars. In fact, 340B uniquely doesn’t use any tax dollars whatsoever. Instead, the funds are reinvested into patient care — helping providers stretch limited resources and make life-saving medicines affordable for people who might otherwise go without.
Here in Indiana, that means a mother can afford her child’s asthma inhaler, someone living with HIV can refill a critical prescription, and a rural clinic can keep its pharmacy open for families who drive hours for care.
For families caring for children with chronic illnesses or individuals who face HIV, every dollar counts. Too often, they face impossible choices: pay for groceries or cover the cost of medications. Thanks to 340B, many local clinics and Ryan White centers can say “you don’t have to choose.”
340B has been quietly strengthening our healthcare safety net for more than 30 years. It supports the providers who serve on the frontlines of rural and underserved communities — and it does so without a single taxpayer dollar. At Damien Center that translates into thousands of patients getting care and medications at very little or no cost. In fact, 85% of our patients get their medications free and they pay only a few dollars for the others and for all the medical care visits that we provide.
As political debates and budget fights dominate the headlines, 340B reminds us what steady, community-driven care looks like. It’s proof that compassion and smart policy can coexist — and that healthcare can keep working for people, even when government doesn’t.
Because care shouldn’t depend on who’s in power. It should depend on who needs it. Damien Center and other community clinics are here for your care!
Alan Witchey
President & CEO
Damien Center
