Hurricane Helene caused a major IV solution manufacturing plant to shut down, leading to a shortage of IV solutions in the U.S. The American Hospital Association has urged the Biden administration to declare a shortage and invoke national emergency powers to address the crisis. Hurricane Milton is now threatening other IV manufacturing facilities in Florida. The AHA requested steps such as extending expiration dates, allowing hospitals to prepare their own IV solutions, and expanding production through the Defense Production Act. B. Braun, a significant IV supplier, is preparing for Hurricane Milton’s impact on its Daytona Beach plant. Baxter’s North Carolina plant may be out of commission for 9-12 months, leading to concerns about the IV supply.
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