ASHP Monitoring Impact of Hurricane Helene, Port Workers Strike on Drug Shortages

ASHP is closely monitoring the recovery efforts from the widespread damage to communities caused by Hurricane Helene. Our thoughts are with those affected by the storm, particularly our members who continue to work on behalf of their patients, often while dealing with personal losses and uncertainty about how their homes and loved ones have been affected by the disaster.

The storm, which has caused closure of Baxter International’s North Cove, North Carolina, manufacturing plant, along with the port workers strike on the East and Gulf Coasts, poses a threat to medical supplies on top of ongoing shortages of critical medications.

Baxter’s facility produces various types of sterile fluids that are given intravenously or by other routes. ASHP is collaborating with the University of Utah and others to update existing recommendations for managing fluid shortages and conserving supply. The document will be updated with relevant recommendations as new information about the scope and length of the Baxter fluid shortage becomes available.

ASHP and other stakeholders in the End Drug Shortages Alliance are monitoring these threats to the supply chain. ASHP remains in communication with several supply chain stakeholders and government agencies and will continue to provide relevant updates to our members.

Please consult our Drug Shortages Resource Center for additional information on current shortages and for resources to assist you in managing and conserving inventory at your practice site.