Biden Administration invokes wartime powers to help with hurricane damage 

Hurricane Helene left thousands of people homeless and in a delicate state facing cleanup recovery. In the height of damages, an IV shortage continues after the hurricane. The Biden Administration has invoked wartime powers of the Defense Production Act to help with the shortage of IV fluids in the region. A major factory was destroyed by the hurricane, and the damage has exacerbated the shortage of IV fluids.

The Defense Production Act is a national law that allows the sitting US President to expedite the supply of materials and services. It usually is used to enhance response to emergencies, natural disasters, and terrorist acts. It was previously utilized by former President Donald Trump to boost the manufacturing of COVID-related items such as ventilators, face masks, test swabs, and vaccines.

This month the Food and Drug Administration declared that there is an ongoing shortage of IV supplies.

Nearly 60 percent of the United States IV supplies relied on products from the factory plant that was destroyed. The Food and Drug Administration approved the import of IV fluids from other factory plants across the world. Authorities also said they are planning to airlift more medical supplies to areas in need in the United States.

There are warnings that medical supplies could become even shorter in the upcoming years. Health officials are warning hospitals to save current supplies and conserve IV supplies.

Some hospitals across the country treating vulnerable populations are getting more supplies due to the Defense Production Act. The shortage of medical supplies has prompted delays in surgeries, and other important procedures.

There are disaster response teams also trying to aid the ongoing problem. The Northwest Healthcare Response Network is a nonprofit that is continuing to help the public health emergency management around disaster preparedness response. They are on the ground assisting to anyone in need.

Meanwhile, earlier this year it was reported that other drugs were facing a shortage in the United States in the first three months of 2024, according to data from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

The situation is ongoing but support is continuing to grow in this medical sector.