Washington, D.C. — On June 23, 2026, the National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) will host a Capitol Hill Briefing titled “Centering Hispanic Communities in 340B: Strengthening Drug Discount Policy to Improve Access and Equity.” This event will bring together policymakers, healthcare advocates, and experts to discuss the impact of that misuse of the 340B Drug Pricing Program continues to have on underserved communities, with particular attention to its impact on Latino older adults living with chronic conditions.
Hispanic communities experience disproportionately high rates of diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and other chronic illnesses, making affordable access to prescription medications absolutely critical to their disease management and overall well-being. This is especially important for the Hispanic older adults, often managing multiple chronic conditions, with minimal income to pay for their medications. The briefing will address concerns about the transparency and accountability of the 340B program and propose policy solutions to ensure that its benefits reach the intended patients.
“As discussions about the future of the 340B program continue, it is essential that patient needs remain at the center of policy conversations. This briefing will provide an opportunity to elevate community perspectives and explore solutions that strengthen access to care,” said Dr. Yanira Cruz, NHCOA President and CEO, who will provide opening remarks at the briefing.
Robert “Bob” Blancato, President of Matz, Blancato & Associates and a member of NHCOA’s Board of Directors, will open the event with remarks highlighting the importance of advancing policies that improve healthcare access for older adults and underserved communities.
Cristina Pacheco, Director of Research and Resource Development for NHCOA, will moderate the event, which will feature a panel discussion with national leaders in healthcare policy and patient advocacy:
- Thomas Johnson, Executive Director, ASAP 340B
- Jeanette Contreras, Founder and Executive Director, Organization for Latino Health Advocacy (OLHA)
The panelists will discuss the original intent of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, the challenges that affect patients’ access to affordable medications, and how evolving healthcare delivery systems impact underserved communities. They will also explore ways to strengthen accountability and transparency while preserving access to essential treatments for vulnerable populations.
The briefing will include a moderated discussion and a question-and-answer session with the audience, giving attendees an opportunity to engage directly with experts about the future of the 340B program and its role in advancing health equity.
Event Details
Date: June 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm (EST)
Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2043
If you are interested in attending, RSVP here: http://tinyurl.com/yu8vzhjf
About NHCOA:
NHCOA is the leading national organization working to improve the lives of Hispanic older adults, their families, and their caregivers. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NHCOA has been a strong voice dedicated to promoting, educating, and advocating for research, policy, and practice in the areas of economic security, health, and housing for Hispanic older adults, families, and caregivers for the last 51 years.
For more information about NHCOA, call 202-347-9733 or visit www.NHCOA.org.
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