This is a two part series on three trail blazers who are proven leaders in the community.
When you think of trailblazers, three names emerge:
Vice President Kamala Harris and candidate for President of the United States, Angela Alsobrooks, County Executive in Prince George’s County and candidate for the Senate in Maryland and Jolene Ivey, Chair of the Prince George’s County Council and candidate for an at-large position in Prince George’s County. In the ever-evolving landscape of American healthcare, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as a staunch defender and advocate for the Inflation Reduction Act which passed on August 16 th , 2022. The act will give Medicare and Medicaid the ability to fight to lower the cost of prescription drug costs. For example, Medicaid fought to reduce those who need the drug, farxiga. The drug helps to reduce individuals who are diagnosed with chronic kidney disease
and heart failure. A monthly supply costs $556.00. Today, individuals can purchase the drug at
the reduced cost of $178.50.
Vice President Kamala Harris played a pivotal role in its passage. The IRA was introduced against
a backdrop of rising inflation rates that put pressure on American families and businesses. The
Act sought to address these economic challenges through lowering healthcare costs. Vice
President Kamala Harris leveraged her position to champion policies that prioritize equity and
access. During the Senate’s deliberations, Harris was called upon to cast a critical vote,
particularly in a tightly contested chamber. Her role as President of the Senate was not merely
ceremonial; she utilized her platform to break the tie and ensure that the legislation moved
forward.
As a vociferous proponent of the IRA, Vice President Kamala Harris participated in a town hall in
Prince George’s Community College on August 3rd of 2024 highlighting lowering the cost of
prescription drugs. She spoke about successfully lowering ten new drugs.
Another speaker at the event was the County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks, who is running for
the United States Senate in Maryland. She spoke at the townhall about addressing health
disparities that disproportionately affect communities of color. As the current Prince George’s
County executive, she has successfully navigated complex challenges concerning healthcare
access. For example, she spoke about capping the out of pocket costs for insulin to $35.00. Her
advocacy extends beyond policy; she actively engages with grassroots organizations and
community leaders to ensure that marginalized voices are heard in the healthcare dialogue.
For more information on each candidate click on the link below:
https://www.angelaalsobrooks.com
This article was written by the staff of The Blue View