As you have probably already heard, Hurricane Helene created significant damage to the Baxter North Cove manufacturing site in Western North Carolina. The damage has caused a significant disruption and shortage in the supply of IV solution to Ohio’s healthcare facilities. Baxter currently supplies about 85% of the IV solution used in Ohio.

The Ohio Department of Health and hospital representatives have been working to create conservation plans that will impact existing workflows and procedure scheduling. The OSMA leadership discussed the shortage at length at its Board meeting this weekend and is in contact with state officials and the hospital association to monitor the situation until normal supplies are resumed.

If you haven’t been in contact or heard from your local hospital, please reach out to them to find out what steps are being taken in your healthcare delivery system. We have also provided links below to the most recent updates from Baxter, the federal government and the Ohio Hospital Association. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the impact in your community please contact us at info@osma.org.

Read the Latest Update from Baxter:
https://www.baxter.com/baxter-newsroom/hurricane-helene-updates

OHA Update:
https://www.ohiohospitals.org/health-outcomes-data/health-outcomes-data-subscription-services/iv-solutions-supply-shortage

HHS Letter to Healthcare Leaders:
https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2024/10/09/letter-health-care-leaders-stakeholders-impacts-hurricane-helene-secretary-becerra.html