Storm damage from September’s Hurricane Helene is having new impacts on health care providers including post-acute and long-term care. Baxter International, a company focused on production of healthcare products, has sustained significant damage to its North Carolina facility that produces approximately 60% of the intravenous (IV) solution supplies for the U.S.

As a result, healthcare providers are being advised to implement conservation strategies for IV solution use. The Health & Human Services (HHS) Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is working to provide information and update resources on this issue, including these suggestions for conservation and management during times of fluid supply shortages. At this time, providers are warned that supply disruptions could last weeks or months while HHS and the Food & Drug Administration works to boost production at other facilities across the country.

LeadingAge is working with our federal partners to learn more and encourages members to work with their state partners for local status updates and recommendations.