RoundtableRx

3 in 10 Americans who take prescription medications reported not filling a prescription in the past year because they could not afford it (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022)

RoundtableRx is here to help.

RoundtableRx’s mission is to offer safe and affordable medication to Minnesotans in need, provide continuity of care and reduce waste by redistributing unused medications. We accomplish this by redirecting quality medications out of the waste stream and into the hands of Minnesotans in need. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to help RoundtableRx open a mail-order dispensing pharmacy. A mail-order pharmacy would allow RoundtableRx to serve ALL eligible Minnesotans in need state-wide, especially those in rural areas or with transportation barriers.

How does RoundtableRx work?

RoundtableRx receives donations of unused and unexpired medications, inspects them for quality and safety, then redistributes them to under-resourced Minnesotans. Presently, RoundtableRx operates under a wholesale license and depends on partnerships with clinics and pharmacies across the state to identify eligible patients, order RoundtableRx inventory, then dispense to the patient. In order to enhance access to RoundtableRx’s no-cost medications, RoundtableRx intends to open a mail-order dispensing pharmacy. The mail-order dispensing pharmacy operation would create access to the program for all eligible Minnesotans, regardless of their proximity to a RoundtableRx partner clinic or pharmacy. This will be especially impactful for Minnesotans that live in rural areas, or those without reliable transportation.

How is RoundtableRx funded?

RoundtableRx is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on grants and charitable contributions. Our largest source of funding comes from the state of Minnesota, but the amount is only sufficient to support basic operations. Generous donations from individuals and foundation grants are necessary to support program growth.

What will my donation be used for?

Your monetary donation will be used to help RoundtableRx open an operational mail-order pharmacy. The funds will be used to purchase dispensing software and equipment.

Does your organization utilize volunteers?

Yes! We rely heavily on licensed pharmacists, technicians and interns to safety check and inventory donated medications. We could not do our work without our dedicated volunteers. 

This is such a great idea, how did it start?

In 2017, students at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy came together to create, advocate for and pass state legislation to establish the state's first general medication repository program. Minnesota lawmakers passed the law in 2019 with bipartisan support.

What kind of impact has RoundtableRx made? 

Since distributing our first medication to a Minnesotan in need in March 2021, RoundtableRx has distributed over 41,000 days worth of medications. A majority of individuals served by RoundtableRx reside in greater Minnesota and are 65 years of age or older. Medications used to treat heart disease, mental health conditions and diabetes are among the most distributed by RoundtableRx. You can learn more about our impact at www.roundtablerx.org/impact