Sarah Young has been appointed as the new executive director of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Drug Price Transparency Program in Oregon. Her tenure began on October 6, 2023, as announced by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR). Young brings a wealth of experience in health policy, particularly focused on rural healthcare, making her well-suited to address the pressing issue of drug affordability in the state.
In her previous role, Young led the policy and research division at the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy, where she managed a team of 17 and oversaw critical policy analysis and emergency response initiatives. Her expertise is expected to significantly influence Oregon’s efforts to improve prescription drug affordability and transparency.
TK Keen, the DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner, expressed his enthusiasm for Young’s appointment, stating, “We were very fortunate to get someone with Sarah’s expertise and experience who wanted to come back to Oregon.” This sentiment underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging federal insights in its ongoing initiatives.
Commitment to Reforming Drug Pricing
Young’s hiring reaffirms the DFR’s dedication to tackling the high costs associated with prescription medications. Her notable contributions include managing the COVID-19 response for Rural Health Clinics and enhancing care quality within Critical Access Hospitals. Young holds a master’s degree in public health from Portland State University, further solidifying her qualifications for this vital role.
Joining Young in her mission is Michele Yoder, a new board member with significant experience as the pharmacy director for the Multnomah County Health Department. Yoder’s past involvement with the Oregon Pain Management Commission and the Oregon Health Resources Commission, where she served from 2013 to 2021, provides her with invaluable insights into navigating the complexities of health policy.
The board also confirmed the reappointments of Dan Hartung, Christopher Laman, and Dan Kennedy, aiming to harness their collective expertise to develop more equitable drug pricing strategies. Together, this leadership team is poised to make significant strides in improving drug affordability for Oregonians, ensuring that essential medications are accessible to all residents.
As the state embarks on this critical journey, the collaboration between experienced professionals like Young and Yoder promises to pave the way for meaningful reforms in Oregon’s healthcare landscape.