Sarah Young has been appointed as the executive director of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Drug Price Transparency Program in Oregon. Her tenure began on October 6, 2023, as confirmed by the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR). Young brings extensive experience in health policy, particularly in rural health care, positioning her to address the pressing issue of drug affordability in the state.
Young previously 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 appointment has been met with optimism, particularly from TK Keen, the DFR administrator and acting insurance commissioner, who stated, “We were very fortunate to get someone with Sarah’s expertise and experience who wanted to come back to Oregon.”
As Young settles into her role, Oregonians can anticipate the integration of her federal insights into state efforts aimed at enhancing prescription drug affordability and transparency. Young’s return to Oregon highlights the DFR’s commitment to tackling prescription drug costs, a priority that has garnered attention in recent years.
Background and Goals
Young’s notable achievements include managing the Rural Health Clinic COVID-19 response and improving operational efficiency within Critical Access Hospitals. Her academic credentials include a master’s degree in public health from Portland State University, underscoring her qualifications for leading the state’s drug pricing initiatives.
Joining Young in her mission is Michele Yoder, a new board member who serves as the pharmacy director for the Multnomah County Health Department. Yoder’s prior experience on the Oregon Pain Management Commission and the Oregon Health Resources Commission from 2013 to 2021 brings valuable insights to the board as it navigates the complexities of health policy and drug pricing.
The board also confirmed the reappointments of Dan Hartung, Christopher Laman, and Dan Kennedy, who will collaborate with Young and Yoder to foster more equitable drug pricing strategies. With a renewed leadership team in place, Oregon is poised to make significant strides in addressing the challenges surrounding prescription drug costs, impacting the lives of many residents in the state.
In summary, with Sarah Young at the helm, the Prescription Drug Affordability Board and the Drug Price Transparency Program are set to embark on a new chapter focused on improving drug affordability and transparency for Oregonians.
