CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Hurricane Helene has worsened a shortage of intravenous fluids in the United States, prompting the Biden administration to invoke the Defense Production Act to aid recovery efforts.
The storm, which hit western North Carolina last month, disrupted operations at Baxter International’s North Cove facility, the largest producer of IV fluids and dialysis solutions in the U.S. Although Baxter has resumed distribution, the company has limited orders. Last week, Baxter expanded order capacity to 60% for some of the most in-demand fluids.
The storm’s impact has rippled through the healthcare system. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared multiple shortages, leading some hospitals to ration supplies and postpone surgeries. On Saturday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory, warning that the shortage could affect patient care.
To alleviate the shortfall, the FDA announced it would allow the importation of products from five non-U.S. facilities. Domestic manufacturers B. Braun Medical and ICU Medical are also increasing production to address the gaps. However, Baxter’s North Cove facility is critical, supplying 60% of IV fluids used in U.S. hospitals.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has invoked the Defense Production Act to help Baxter acquire materials for cleanup and rebuilding. An HHS spokesperson said the agency is working with Baxter to resolve additional challenges and may use the act further to support the recovery.
“Ensuring people have the medical supplies they need is a top priority of the administration,” an HHS official said in a statement Tuesday. “We are working closely with Baxter to support the cleanup and restoration of the facility.”
The Defense Production Act, passed in 1950, grants the president broad authority to direct industrial resources during emergencies. It has been used in previous crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of Hurricane Maria in 2017, which also disrupted Baxter’s production of IV bags.
OhioHealth had signs placed around their hospitals on Thursday that alerted patients to the issue.
“There is a nationwide shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids and OhioHealth is taking steps to ensure there is enough supply for our patients,” the message reads. “Your provider may use medications to control symptoms, along with oral rehydration drinks as treatment instead of IV fluids when appropriate to help preserve supply.”-
Baxter reported Monday that cleanup at the North Cove site is progressing. A temporary rock bridge has been installed, with a second bridge under construction to allow product and equipment to move more freely. The company aims to restart production by the end of the year, although it will be phased.
IV solution allocations for children’s hospitals have returned to full capacity, and other products could be fully restored by year’s end, Baxter said.
The IV fluid shortage is the latest in a series of disruptions to the U.S. supply chain. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists reported a record number of drug shortages earlier this year, with at least 300 ongoing for the past 18 months.