Commissioner: Hamilton County cancer rates above average; county expands screenings and weighs insulin-pricing litigation

Commissioner Alicia Reese told the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 16 that county cancer rates exceed state and national averages and described a packed State of Cancer caucus and concurrent health expo that provided free screenings and mobile services.

The meeting's discussion matters because county leaders said expanded screening and clinical-trial access could affect early detection and outcomes for residents; Reese also raised the county's potential role in litigation to lower insulin prices for residents who rely on the drug.

Reese said the county and partner organizations provided more than $2,000 worth of free medical services through a mobile 513 relief bus and that the expo honored more than 40 cancer survivors and recognized more than 30 partner organizations. She cited partnerships with UCHealth for the mobile mammography unit and other screenings, and thanked the Urban League, local hospitals and community partners for hosting and staffing the event. Reese noted the county issued proclamations and encouraged residents to take part in screenings and community outreach, including a breast-cancer walk scheduled for the coming Saturday.

Reese also reported meeting with the county prosecutor, Connie Pillage, about pursuing litigation to address insulin pricing. She described the effort as similar in approach to prior multi-jurisdictional actions (for example, opioid litigation), and said she supports the prosecutor's plan to discuss potential county participation with the board. The commissioner said the cost of insulin is preventing access for some residents and that litigation could be a tool to reduce prices.

Health officials and presenters at the caucus included Dr. Melinda Bucha Kovac ("BK"), Dr. Grant Mooseman (Cincinnati health commissioner), Greg Kesterman and Dr. Keith Melvin, who participated in a "fireside chat" on clinical trials, screening and prevention. Reese emphasized the need for more clinical trials locally and for outreach to diverse candidate pools.

The board did not take a formal vote to join litigation on Oct. 16. Reese said the prosecutor will brief the board on next steps; she expressed support for pursuing legal options to lower insulin costs on behalf of county residents.

The county administrator and other commissioners thanked Reese for organizing and participating in the event and noted broad public participation.

No formal board action on cancer funding or litigation was recorded at this meeting; the discussion established commissioner support to receive a briefing from the prosecutor and to consider formal next steps.