Tom Cotter, Executive Director of Healthcare Ready, explains how Healthcare Ready could assist public health leaders in a disaster.

A June 2024 Healthcare Ready study on “State-Managed Medication Stockpiling” showcases where the United States stands if another pandemic becomes a reality. This study revealed a lack of essential funding keeping states from most effectively developing their own reserves of critical medications and other resources to respond to public health emergencies. The research was prompted by growing concerns over rising drug shortage events and the potential for medication reserves to safeguard patient access to these resources in the future, especially during a crisis.

As of August 15, Hurricane Ernesto is expected to approach Bermuda late Friday and into the weekend.

While Hurricane Ernesto is not expected to directly impact the US, east coast states could experience life-threatening surf and rip currents so beach goers should be aware of that risk.

As of August 13, Tropical Storm Ernesto is expected to generate significant rainfall and storm conditions to the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and Puerto Rico this evening. There is a high risk of flash flooding due to the heavy rainfall expected. The storm is projected to trail off north into the Atlantic later in the week.

During June, National Safety Month, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the largest independent kidney patient organization in the U.S., rolled out a new, year-long safety awareness and public education campaign titled “Every Patient Safe.” 

The medical supply chain relies on an intricate system of shipping routes to deliver products on time.

A recent threat assessment from Healthcare Ready explored why some medical products are currently taking longer to get to their destinations. Healthcare Ready is a nonprofit organization that helps the national healthcare system respond to crises.

Community health centers (“health centers”) are a cornerstone for medically underserved communities across the U.S. and its territories. Beacons of healthcare accessibility, health centers play an indispensable role in addressing the multifaceted needs of communities, particularly for vulnerable populations. The significance of these centers becomes especially evident during crises, which can lead to a rapid influx of patients that overwhelms health facilities and causes other disruptions to health access. 

The Impact Report highlights Healthcare Ready’s most successful year yet, underscoring the organization’s dedication to advancing healthcare accessibility for all Americans by harnessing resources across partners and geographies.

Generic drugs are the pharmaceutical products mainly affected by the missile attacks disrupting shipping in the Red Sea. While the extra costs borne by drug companies aren’t causing an immediate spike in product prices, experts say they’ll eventually be factored into prices if the attacks become a long-term problem.