Mike Kelly Partners with SHARx to Advocate for Healthcare Reform
A growing list of notable sports voices are helping amplify SHARx's fight to restore financial equity to a broken healthcare system
SHARx, the leading prescription advocacy organization in the United States, has welcomed Mike Kelly, renowned as the voice of the Missouri Tigers, into its esteemed national brand ambassador team. This move signifies SHARx's commitment to advancing healthcare equity amidst rising drug costs.
The Impact of Colin Kelly on SHARx's Mission
Kelly joins a passionate group, including rising star Sophie Cunningham, as part of SHARx's Rising Tide Army (RTA). This growing initiative invites thousands of employers nationwide to collaborate in restoring financial fairness to a healthcare system increasingly burdened by unscrupulous pharmaceutical benefit managers and profit-driven companies.
Mike Kelly's Legacy in Sports
With over 30 years of experience in broadcasting, Mike Kelly has been the iconic play-by-play announcer for the Missouri Tigers football and basketball teams. Recognized as Missouri Sportscaster of the Year seven times by the National Sports Media Association, his voice resonates with fans experiencing cherished moments in Missouri sports history. Moreover, he holds honors from both the Missouri and St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame.
Joining Forces Against High Drug Costs
Corey Durbin, CEO of SHARx, views the growing RTA team as a testament to the company’s impact on making medications more affordable for Americans. "We are truly fortunate to have Mike as an ambassador. His extensive connections across Missouri and his experience in healthcare enable him to significantly contribute to SHARx’s mission of addressing high prescription drug costs," stated Durbin.
According to recent studies, American consumers pay exorbitantly—up to 422% more than the global average—for brand-name medications. Since its inception in 2017, SHARx has positioned itself as a vital player in breaking down barriers to accessible prescriptions through top-notch supply chain management, procurement strategies, and innovative educational initiatives. SHARx envisions a healthcare system that operates effectively for everyone.
The Urgency of SHARx's Mission
Reflecting on his role, Mike Kelly emphasized, "I've spent significant time understanding how SHARx supports its members and employer groups. The urgency of SHARx's mission cannot be overstated. With a small fraction of the populace consuming nearly 90% of the drug expenses, a united front is imperative.” His sentiments resonate well with various stakeholders throughout the state.
Ensuring Patient Safety and Access
SHARx prioritizes safety and efficacy by meticulously vetting vendor partners through a rigorous six-step process when presenting members with options for acquiring costly medications. Eric DuBois, Chief Operating Officer, expressed, "Our mission is to ensure patients can access necessary medications through the highest safety standards. We achieve this by collaborating strictly with partners who meet our stringent guidelines.
Durbin further elaborated, “PBMs and certain drug manufacturers often maintain their hold over American consumers. These are the entities profiting at the expense of the masses. We created SHARx to empower consumers, particularly those lacking healthcare coverage, with the freedom to select how they procure their medications. Families should not face the dire choice between purchasing medication or groceries. It’s paramount we prevent that from happening.”
Expanding the RTA Movement
Mike Kelly's association with the SHARx Rising Tide Army (RTA) adds to a growing coalition advocating for reforms to alleviate the burden of high medication costs on Americans. The RTA encourages participation among community members and employers and aims to galvanize positive change in the healthcare landscape. Other prominent ambassadors include Sophie Cunningham, Brock Osweiler, Heath Shuler, Gary Hallberg, and Steve Jones.
About SHARx
Founded on the principles of challenging the broken system of overpriced prescription medications, SHARx was co-founded by industry experts Corey Durbin and Paul Pruitt. The organization is dedicated to prioritizing people over profits by implementing an ethical sourcing model. SHARx emphasizes transparency, sensible cost containment, and a member-first approach—ensuring no hidden markups and providing reliable, affordable medications with dignity. For further information, visit https://sharxplan.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Kelly?
Mike Kelly is the iconic voice of Missouri Tigers sports, with decades in sports broadcasting.
What is SHARx?
SHARx is a prescription advocacy organization focused on making medications more affordable and accessible to all.
What role does Mike Kelly play at SHARx?
Mike Kelly serves as a brand ambassador, promoting SHARx's mission to reform the healthcare system.
What is the Rising Tide Army (RTA)?
The RTA is an initiative by SHARx that unites employers and advocates to combat the high costs of medications.
How does SHARx ensure medication safety?
SHARx employs a rigorous vetting process for its vendor partners to guarantee the safety and effectiveness of drug sourcing.
