WASHINGTON — Rx Response, an initiative of the nation’s pharmaceutical supply chain, is working closely with federal, state and local government agencies to address the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the supply of prescription drugs.
The coalition, whose partners represent the community pharmacy, drug manufacturing and distribution, and hospital sectors and the American Red Cross — said Rx Response officials remain in daily contact with senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), providing updates on the storm’s effect on the medicine supply chain.
A key challenge for Rx Response and government agencies has been getting fuel to delivery trucks resupplying hospitals and pharmacies and helping to secure fuel for pharmacies and other health care facilities operating on generator power.
Rx Response noted that efforts are under way to help ensure access to fuel for delivery fleets and health care facilities powered by generators. The coalition, too, is working with local law enforcement to help delivery vehicles access areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.
"We look forward to continuing our close coordination with Rx Response and government agencies to help ensure that our member companies can continue critical deliveries of medicine to hospitals and pharmacies," stated Perry Fri, senior vice president of industry relations, membership and education for the Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA), a member of Rx Response.
In addition, Rx Response has been updating its Pharmacy Status Reporting Tool (PSRT), an online program designed to help emergency managers and the public to locate open pharmacies in communities impacted by severe weather or other events. The group noted that government agencies have included links to the PSRT on their websites and in other communications.
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores said the status of chain pharmacies is updated daily via the PSRT.
"NACDS and its members appreciate the continued efforts by Rx Response to put patients first during this challenging time," stated NACDS president and chief executive Steve Anderson. "In activating the Pharmacy Status Reporting Tool, Rx Response provided an incredibly important mechanism to help patients get the medicines they need from community pharmacies in the affected storm areas."
Rx Response, was developed in response to Hurricane Katrina and the threat of pandemic influenza. Besides HDMA, NACDS and the American Red Cross, its members include the American Hospital Association (AHA), Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPHA), National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).
