Hurricane Helene brought temporary disruption to a production facility located in Marion, North Carolina operated by Baxter. The Baxter facility provides a significant portion of IV solutions, irrigation fluids, and peritoneal solutions to the U.S. medical system.  In an October 9 letter sent to health care leaders and stakeholder, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary outlines steps the agency is taking to address shortages and provides information and resources to alleviate shortages and prepare for mitigation. Get the details here.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is requesting reports of vacant units to help housing survivors displaced as a result of a disaster event. In addition, LeadingAge has compiled a disaster preparation and response resource. Read more here.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s Gulf coast, bringing deadly winds and heavy rainfall to Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee, staff and residents at most LeadingAge members are managing the work of clean up—while at the same time, coping with tremendous loss and change.

And in Florida, members in communities located around the Tampa, Sarasota, and Fort Myers regions, as Milton approaches, are repeating what they’d done just days earlier, pre-Helene. That is, “stocking up, and doing [all we can] to prepare to evacuate,” according to one staffer who works at an affordable senior housing community. Milton is expected to make landfall on Wednesday, October 9. Read more here.

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. Read more here.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, many LeadingAge members in North and South Carolina, Florida, Tennessee, and Georgia are struggling to overcome the power and communication outages, along with lack of water, fuel, and food. LeadingAge state partners report members trying to access supplies (with impassible roads exacerbating the situation) and having to rely on generators to care for residents. There are stories of staff continuing to be there for residents despite suffering serious personal losses.

LeadingAge members are stepping up with direct help and via donation to the LeadingAge Disaster Relief Fund, which sends 100% of all donations directly to members and their staff. Read more here.

Since making landfall in Florida late last week and moving across the Southeastern U.S. over the weekend, Hurricane Helene’s path of havoc is widespread. Catastrophic flooding, significant damage across states to homes and commercial buildings, roads, and power and communications infrastructure are among the many crises LeadingAge members located in Florida, North and South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia are facing. Read more here.