AHA Seeks Biden’s Intervention As Nation Faces Serious Shortages

Hurricane Helene’s devastation of a critical IV fluid production facility has sparked a nationwide shortage, prompting hospitals to adapt and the American Hospital Association to call for urgent federal action.

At a Glance

Hurricane Helene damaged Baxter International’s North Carolina plant, causing a nationwide IV fluid shortage.
The American Hospital Association urges President Biden to invoke the Defense Production Act.
Hospitals are receiving only 40% of their usual IV fluid supply and implementing conservation measures.
The AHA is requesting federal support, including a public health emergency declaration.
Hurricane Milton threatens another crucial IV fluid production facility in Florida.

Hurricane Helene Disrupts IV Fluid Supply Chain

The recent devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has led to an unexpected healthcare crisis across the United States. The storm’s impact on Baxter International’s North Cove plant in North Carolina, a facility responsible for producing 60% of the nation’s IV solutions, has resulted in a widespread shortage of intravenous fluids in hospitals nationwide. This shortage is forcing medical institutions to adapt quickly and implement conservation strategies to maintain patient care.

The severity of the situation is exemplified by Main Line Health Bryn Mawr Hospital, which is now receiving only 40% of its usual IV fluid supply. This drastic reduction in essential medical supplies has prompted healthcare providers to seek alternative solutions and modify their treatment approaches.

Hospitals Implement Conservation Measures

In response to the shortage, hospitals across the country are taking proactive steps to manage their dwindling IV fluid supplies. “We’ve changed how we order fluids. What type of size of bag of fluid that we use,” Dr. Jonathan Stallkamp, the Chief Medical Doctor of Main Line Health, told NBC10.

These adaptations include changing fluid ordering practices, encouraging oral hydration alternatives, and exploring different suppliers to manage the current shortage. However, as the situation worsens, concerns about the potential impact on patient care are growing.

American Hospital Association Calls for Federal Intervention

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the American Hospital Association (AHA) has taken swift action by appealing directly to President Joe Biden for assistance. The AHA is urging the administration to invoke the Defense Production Act, similar to the response seen during the 2022 infant formula shortage, to facilitate the importation of necessary IV supplies from international sources.

“Our members are already reporting substantial shortages of these lifesaving and life-supporting products,” a spokesperson wrote in a letter to Biden. “Patients across America are already feeling this impact, which will only deepen in the coming days and weeks unless much more is done to alleviate the situation and minimize the impact on patient care.”

The AHA’s requests include a public health emergency declaration, waivers of Medicare and Medicaid rules, and a national shortage declaration by the FDA. Additionally, they are advocating for regulatory flexibility to extend IV fluid expiration dates and allow in-house mixing of solutions.

Threat of Hurricane Milton Compounds the Crisis

As if the current situation wasn’t dire enough, the looming threat of Hurricane Milton poses an additional risk to the already strained IV fluid supply chain. The hurricane is approaching a Daytona Beach facility operated by B. Braun Medical, which supplies nearly 23% of the U.S. intravenous fluid supply. This facility has become crucial in filling the supply gap left by the damaged North Carolina plant.

In anticipation of potential impacts, the Biden administration is taking preemptive action by evacuating IV fluids from the Florida distribution center to protect the supply chain. The Department of Health and Human Services is coordinating with B. Braun to move products out of the storm’s path, highlighting the critical nature of these supplies.

As the healthcare system grapples with this unprecedented challenge, the need for swift and decisive action becomes increasingly apparent. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the extent of the impact on patient care and the effectiveness of the measures taken to address this critical shortage.