Due to the devastation in North Carolina caused by Hurricane Helene, Baxter International Inc.’s North Cove site in Marion, NC is closed for production. Baxter’s North Cove site produces an estimated 60% of IV and dialysis solutions supplies in the U.S. The company is working around the clock to bring the production facility back online to full capacity as quickly as possible. The shuttering of the North Cove site is expected to have a global impact on the supply chain for IV fluid bags.
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) are working collaboratively with Baxter to ensure equitable distribution of existing supplies to mitigate the potential for IV fluid shortages caused by “panic purchasing” of quantities outside the normal purchasing patterns of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Baxter and group purchasing organizations are capping allocation of IV fluid bag distribution at 60% of quantities ordered by hospitals and healthcare facilities.** FDA and ASPR have assured the healthcare community that adequate supplies currently exist in the supply chain. However, hospitals and healthcare facilities must implement conservation strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced allocations on patient care. Below is a compilation of resources and guidance to assist healthcare epidemiologists, antibiotic stewards, and other providers to support implementation of conservation strategies.
**Free-standing Children’s Hospitals will receive 100% of their normal allocations. Hospitals and health systems with integrated pediatric hospitals and units must contact Baxter to request an exception if the pediatric hospital/unit meets certain criteria.
Baxter Hurricane Helene Resources web site
Baxter’s North Cove manufacturing site was significantly impacted by the rain and storm surge from Hurricane Helene. IV fluid supplies in high demand are temporarily subjected to allocations to help manage inventory and minimize the potential for wide-spread shortages of product in the U.S. supply chain. Baxter states this web page, along with written correspondence directly from Baxter, is the single source of truth for the status of the North Cove facility and distribution of IV fluid supplies. Check this web page often for status updates and information. Existing Baxter customers may contact Baxter support with questions regarding their allocation.
To ensure supplies remain adequate while the North Cove site is offline, FDA and ASPR are deploying a number of short- and long-term mitigation strategies. They are working with Baxter to expedite remediation and restoration of power to the Marion production site. They are working with other manufacturers to expand capacity including supporting the expansion of 5-day/week production sites to 24/7 production. FDA and ASPR will also work with Congress to explore building resiliency into the U.S. supply chain to ensure that future disaster recovery efforts can be expedited and “panic purchasing” of supplies at risk of shortage will not hinder the recovery effort.
