Hurricane Helene: A Case Study In Medical Preparedness And Response

When Hurricane Helene disrupted production at one of the largest manufacturers of IV fluid in the United States, it prompted a combined response from the public and private sectors to boost resiliency and serve patients in need. On August 8, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration announced the resolution of the IV saline solution shortage.

Hurricane Helene Strikes

Baxter International closed its manufacturing facility in North Cove, North Carolina, on September 29, 2024, after the hurricane flooded the site and collapsed a roadway.

ASPR Responds

In response, the HHS Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) deployed more than 400 response personnel and 405 tons of medical supplies and equipment.

Baxter Launches Global Airlift

Baxter received FDA clearance to temporarily import products from five facilities in Canada, China, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. On Oct. 19, 2024, ASPR announced the arrival of the first airlift flight of IV fluid, the first of 200 such flights carrying millions of units of product.

HIDA Advocates For Medical Supply Chain

Throughout the IV fluid shortage, HIDA has served as a connective link between federal partners and healthcare distributors in the private sector. These public-private partnerships are a cornerstone of disaster preparedness and public health response. HIDA has urged Congress to swiftly reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA) – the law that authorizes medical responses to natural disasters.