Angels for Change supports the Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act introduced May 15th. This bipartisan legislation marks a critical step toward addressing the root causes of drug shortages and promoting transparency, accountability, and resilience in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.
2025 Drug Shortage Guardian Award Honors Federal Heroes Who Saved Lives During IV Fluid Crisis
Agencies recognized by patient advocacy organization, Angels for Change, for swift action and lifesaving logistics following hurricanes Helene and Milton.
Angels for Change (A4C) announces the pilot launch of Project GOLD (Generic Oncology Lifesaving Drugs), a new resiliency program that establishes an onshore buffer supply of six essential medications that are used to treat cancer. Project GOLD was created to offer physicians and patients stability of care during a shortage through emergency supply at leading distributors and manufacturers. A4C is participating with founding pilot members, pharmaceutical wholesalers Cencora and McKesson, and pharmaceutical and medtech manufacturer Fresenius Kabi.
Angels for Change supports the Mapping America’s Pharmaceutical Supply (MAPS) Act introduced May 15th. This bipartisan legislation marks a critical step toward addressing the root causes of drug shortages and promoting transparency, accountability, and resilience in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain.
Angels for Change Appoints Chairwoman of the Board Alison Verges Walters as Full-Time Chief of Staff & General Counsel
TAMPA, FL – May 7, 2025 – Angels for Change (A4C), the nation’s only nonprofit solely dedicated to ending drug shortages, proudly announces that Chairwoman of the Board, Alison Verges Walters, has accepted a full-time role as Chief of Staff & General Counsel. This strategic appointment marks a significant milestone in A4C’s growth and commitment to ensuring no patient goes without critical medications.
A founding board member, Walters has played a central role in guiding A4C’s mission and vision since its inception. Over the past three years, she has served as both Chairwoman of the Board and liaison to the Advisory Board in a volunteer capacity. Her personal connection to A4C’s mission—paired with her proven leadership and legal acumen—uniquely equips her to lead the organization into its next phase of impact.
With more than two decades of experience in litigation, compliance, and organizational leadership within the Creditors’ Rights industry, Walters brings a wealth of expertise to her new position. She holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University New Orleans.
“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Alison into this vital full-time role,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker of Angels for Change. “Her contributions over the past five years have already saved lives. With Alison now fully dedicated to our mission, we’re even closer to ending drug shortages for all patients.”
Reflecting on her new role, Walters said: “It’s an honor to formally join Angels for Change as Chief of Staff & General Counsel. For five years, I’ve been proud to stand alongside Laura and the Bray family on this journey. I’m excited to devote myself fully to creating systemic change and ensuring no patient is left without access to life-saving medication.”
About Angels for Change
Angels for Change is a global, volunteer-powered 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Tampa, Florida, working to end drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and the creation of a more resilient supply chain. The organization was founded by Laura Bray after her own daughter faced three life-threatening drug shortages during pediatric cancer treatment. Today, A4C advocates for patients experiencing life-saving drug shortages, operates the nation's only Drug Shortage Hotline (DSH), and collaborates across the pharmaceutical supply chain to eliminate these preventable healthcare crises. Learn more at www.angelsforchange.org.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA, FL APRIL 22, 2025—Angels for Change is pleased to announce a significant update on Project PROTECT, a national initiative focused on preventing drug shortages through strategic partnerships with trusted essential medicine manufacturers.
STAQ Pharma, a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier, has completed the necessary preparations to manufacture two life-saving medications—Furosemide and Bumetanide—both vital for treating heart failure, kidney disease, and liver conditions. These medications are currently listed on the FDA and ASHP drug shortage lists.
Additionally, STAQ Pharma has been awarded a 2025 Project PROTECT grant to develop and produce Magnesium Sulfate 40 mg/mL in 50 mL IV bags, a medication critical in emergency care, particularly for pregnant patients experiencing life-threatening complications.
“Partnering with Angels for Change enables us to proactively address critical shortages and ensure medications like Furosemide and Bumetanide remain available to healthcare systems and patients who depend on them,” said Mark Spiecker, President of STAQ Pharma.
Strengthening the Healthcare Supply Chain
Launched in 2022, Project PROTECT was designed to reinforce the U.S. healthcare supply chain by providing grants to 503B outsourcing suppliers, such as STAQ Pharma. This initiative ensures that life-saving medications are prepared in advance of supply chain disruptions, helping healthcare systems remain resilient in times of crisis.
STAQ Pharma’s 2025 Project PROTECT grant will ensure the production of Magnesium Sulfate, adding to its previous awards for Furosemide, Bumetanide, Potassium Chloride, and Sodium Chloride. This positions STAQ Pharma as a critical protector of five essential medications, maintaining a steady supply of vital drugs in ready-to-administer formats for healthcare providers nationwide. The PROTECT partnership with STAQ has already helped support hundreds of thousands of patients during shortages and was recognized by CNN in 2023.
“Through Project PROTECT, we’re taking critical steps to shield patients from drug shortages. By working with trusted partners like STAQ Pharma, we’re ensuring that the most vulnerable medications are available, even during national emergencies,” said Laura Bray, Founder and Chief Change Maker at Angels for Change.
STAQ Pharma’s Role in Addressing Drug Shortages
STAQ Pharma remains focused on proactively addressing supply gaps caused by seasonal, market, or environmental disruptions. As a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier, STAQ is committed to producing high-quality, reliable medications that healthcare systems can depend on—especially during times of uncertainty.
“We’re proud to work with Angels for Change to create long-term solutions that safeguard patient care,” said Jeff Hval, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at STAQ Pharma.
About Project PROTECT
Project PROTECT is an innovative program that grants 503B Outsourcing Facilities to ensure the continuous availability of essential medications vulnerable to shortages. By proactively supporting the production of life-saving drugs, Project PROTECT strengthens the resilience of the healthcare supply chain. To learn more, visit www.angelsforchange.org/project-protect.
About Angels for Change
Angels for Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending drug shortages through advocacy, awareness, and building a resilient supply chain. For more information, visit www.angelsforchange.org.
About STAQ Pharma
STAQ Pharma is a hospital-owned 503B outsourcing supplier that supplies critical medications to healthcare systems nationwide. With two FDA-registered facilities, STAQ delivers high-quality sterile injectables, IV bags, and syringes to help providers navigate drug shortages and support patient care. Learn more at www.staqpharma.com.
Shortages of Prescription Drugs: Investigating the Causes of Shortfalls and Possible Solutions
Thank you Fox 8 for shedding light on the thousands of patients that are forced to ration or go without prescriptions they need due to limited supply. Fox 8 investigators go in-depth as to why this happens.
Increasing awareness of the issue brings us one step closer to solving the drug shortage crisis.
The Spring edition of The Change Maker Chronicle is here!
We’re taking you to the NEXT LEVEL with bold steps, real stories, and a behind-the-scenes look at what’s NEXT in the fight to end drug shortages. In this issue, you’ll hear from some of our Shortage Warriors and experience the powerful impact their voices have on the community. From milestone wins to what’s ahead in Q2, see how we continue to LEVEL UP our mission—together.
👉 Read the Changemaker Chronicle: Issue 11, Quarter 1, 2025
This is what is possible when Change Makers like you join us in the NEXT LEVEL of the fight to end drug shortages!
#NextLevel2025
#LevelUp
#EndingDrugShortagesNOW
#ChangeMakerChronicle
Angels for Change was recently featured in a powerful News10 story highlighting our mission to end drug shortages and the critical impact our work has on patients across the country. The piece shares the story of Brooke, a patient in Warrensburg, N.Y., who faced a terrifying delay in receiving her IV fluid treatments due to a national shortage.
When traditional supply chain solutions failed, Brooke and her mother, Cathy, turned to Angels for Change. Through our national network and rapid advocacy efforts, we were able to help locate the essential IV fluids she needed to continue her care, demonstrating once again how patient-centered advocacy can make a life-saving difference.
Behind every shortage is a real person with real needs. Thank you, News10, for raising awareness around the drug shortage crisis. We are committed to advocating for patients, raising awareness, and building a more resilient and equitable pharmaceutical supply chain.
Watch the news segment below and read the news article here.
