Federal agencies and Baxter International collaborate to boost IV fluid availability following severe storm damage.
Hurricane Helene caused damage to Baxter International’s North Cove facility in North Carolina, causing nationwide disruptions to IV fluid supplies. Federal agencies such as FEMA, ASPR, and the FDA have coordinated with Baxter to restore access to the damaged plant, safeguarding existing inventory and relocating products from other manufacturing sites.
Hospitals have now seen a 50 percent increase in IV fluid availability within a week due to these efforts, with further improvements expected as recovery progresses. Regulatory measures have also allowed the import of critical IV products from international suppliers, and steps have been taken to expand domestic compounding of IV solutions to mitigate shortages.
The Department of Health and Human Services has invoked the Defense Production Act to facilitate the cleanup and rebuilding of Baxter’s facility, and the FDA expedited inspections and regulatory reviews to accelerate the reopening of production lines. Production at the North Cove facility is expected to resume in phases, with IV fluid allocations increasing to near full capacity by the end of the year.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Becerra as he coordinates HHS resources to support supply chain recovery after the hurricane.
- For FDA, FEMA, and ASPR officials as they seek to ensure the quality and availability of IV solutions.
Sources: Department of Health and Human Services
