Southern California wildfires have forced health systems to close outpatient facilities throughout the area, limiting access to care.

California Continues Progressive Policies, With Restraint, in Divisive Election Year

The North Carolina factory, run by medical supplier Baxter, was badly damaged during Helene. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. IV supplies had relied on the plant’s production. Separately, the Pentagon is changing the discharge records for 820 veterans who had been dismissed from the military for their sexual orientation.

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 16, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Following hurricane damage that shuttered a North Carolina plant that makes 60% of the country’s IV fluids, U.S. health officials have invoked the Defense Production Act to hasten rebuilding of the factory.

Many hospitals are making plans to deal with the shortage of sterile intravenous fluids, and officials say conservation strategies are going to be needed for the near future.

Two weeks after the closure of a vital plant due to flooding from Hurricane Helene, most of America’s healthcare providers say they’re seeing a shortage of IV fluids. More than 8 in 10 healthcare providers (86%) are experiencing shortages of IV fluids, according to a new survey released Thursday by Premier Inc. The company works with thousands of hospitals with medical supply purchases.

Hurricane Milton prompted the biggest evacuation of healthcare facilities in Florida’s history. Given Florida’s extensive history with hurricanes, that’s no small statement, says Mary Mayhew, president and CEO of the Florida Hospital Association.

RxOpen has been activated in Florida following Hurricane Milton. This website is a mapping tool that helps patients and their providers locate open pharmacies in areas affected by natural disasters like Milton. When activated, RxOpen provides status updates on pharmacies, indicating whether they are open, closed or have new restricted hours.

The devastation caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton are significantly impacting the United States healthcare system. Helene knocked out a North Carolina production plant for a major supplier of IV fluids for US hospitals, prompting the federal government to seek help overseas to restore supply.