With Nearly 200 Prescription Drugs Facing Shortages, Kennedy Delivers $338,000 to D’Youville University School of Pharmacy for New Drug Compounding Space

New, Secure, and Regulated Space will Feature Sterile and Non-Sterile Compounding, Promoting Research and Innovation

Ensuring the Availability of Hazardous Compounding Services is Vital for Treatment of Conditions Such as Cancer

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Congressman Tim Kennedy visited D'Youville University today to announce he secured $338,000 in federal funding for DYU's School of Pharmacy's drug compounding space. The project will transform the facility into a secure, regulated space featuring sterile and non-sterile compounding services. The project will promote research and innovation at DYU while addressing critical service gaps in Western New York. Ensuring the availability of hazardous compounding services is crucial given their vital role in treating conditions such as cancer.

"Modern healthcare professionals need access to modern medicine," said Congressman Kennedy. "D'Youville University's School of Pharmacy plays a key role in filling the need for highly-trained pharmacists. With this funding, we're ensuring students have real hands-on experience with the latest cutting-edge technologies, while simultaneously providing access to lifesaving drugs for Western New Yorkers who are facing shortages. As a D'Youville alumnus, I'm incredibly proud to see my alma mater continue to lead the way in innovation and public service."

"This investment strengthens pharmacy education while directly expanding access to critical healthcare services in our community," said D'Youville University President Lorrie Clemo, PhD. "By modernizing our compounding facilities, we are better preparing students for high-demand careers and addressing a significant gap in access to complex medications for patients across Buffalo and Western New York."

New York State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, "Healthcare access remains a challenge in many communities throughout Western New York, so any investments to help bridge that gap are critical. I'm grateful to Congressman Tim Kennedy for securing this funding, which will expand access to life-saving treatments and create new opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare."

"I commend Tim Kennedy for securing this funding," said New York State Senator Jeremy Zellner. "D'Youville University is quickly emerging as a healthcare hub for Western New York, and this investment strengthens both access to care and the workforce pipeline we urgently need. At a time when drug shortages are already impacting patients, expanding safe, regulated compounding capacity locally isn't optional - it's necessary."

Deputy County Executive Lisa M. Chimera said, "At a time when drug shortages are impacting communities across the country, this investment at D'Youville is an important step forward for Erie County. Expanding compounding capacity means patients, especially those undergoing critical treatments like cancer care, can access the medications they need, when they need them. I want to thank Congressman Tim Kennedy for his tireless advocacy and for being a strong partner in delivering resources that strengthen public health across our community."

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, "This investment in D'Youville University's School of Pharmacy is a major step forward for both healthcare access and innovation in Western New York. By expanding sterile and hazardous compounding capabilities, this project will help ensure that patients, especially those undergoing complex treatments like cancer care, can receive the medications they need close to home. I thank Congressman Kennedy for delivering this critical funding, which will strengthen our local healthcare infrastructure, support cutting-edge research, and make high-quality, affordable care more accessible for families across the Buffalo community."

"Thanks to the leadership of Congressman Timothy Kennedy, this investment in D'Youville University will expand access to critical healthcare services and help ensure patients in Buffalo can receive essential treatments closer to home," said Erie County Legislator Lawrence Dupre. "D'Youville has long been a leader in advancing healthcare access for underserved communities on the West Side, and this project builds on that legacy while making care more accessible and equitable for all."

The ability to offer hazardous compounding services will allow critical treatments to seamlessly integrate into the local healthcare landscape, promoting convenience, accessibility, and affordability for community members. This project will also enable DYU's School of Pharmacy to meet critical industry standards, which provide for the safe handling of hazardous drugs and compounding quality nonsterile preparations. With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting more than 14,000 job openings for pharmacists each year for the next decade, the need to prepare students to meet the needs of patients has never been greater. Additionally, the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists reports that there are currently 189 drugs in a state of shortage, further underscoring the need for expanded compounding services to help bridge that gap.

Currently, the nearest sterile, non-sterile, and hazardous compounding provider is approximately 15 miles away, creating transportation and access challenges for many patients, particularly those requiring complex therapies such as genetic, oncology, and research treatments.

Rep. Kennedy is a D'Youville graduate, having earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in occupational therapy. Prior to entering public service, Kennedy actively practiced as an OT for more than a decade.

About D'Youville University

D'Youville University is a nationally ranked private university founded in 1908 and headquartered in Buffalo, New York, which offers degrees in the health sciences and business. D'Youville University promotes a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Through transformational educational experiences, students are prepared for growth, career success, and upward mobility. For more information, visit dyu.edu.

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