Crisis has a way of reminding us of our commonalities.
Take, for instance, Hurricane Helene. Though California is far from the storm’s devastation, its effects have rippled all the way to our coast due to the temporary closure of Baxter International’s North Carolina plant, which supplies 60% of the nation’s IV fluids. Hospitals across the country are working to ensure continued patient care despite a shortage of supplies critical to emergency care, trauma, oncology, surgery, and other lifesaving services.
Understanding the breadth of this crisis and navigating through it will take collective effort. At the federal level, the American Hospital Association has urged the Biden administration to declare a national emergency, which would provide hospitals crucial flexibilities to mitigate the shortage. At the state level, CHA is coordinating with health and emergency response officials to ensure consistent, equitable solutions (click here for resources).
The effectiveness of a coordinated response hinges on hospitals submitting supply requests to their county Medical and Health Operational Area Coordinator so that state officials have full visibility into the impact. And at the local level, our Regional Associations are working to understand hospitals’ needs and elevate issues that arise. This national shortage will likely get worse before it gets better — collaboration and communication will be critical in the coming days and weeks.
In the face of widespread and potentially dangerous challenges, we’re reminded of the mission that connects us, both within California and from coast to coast: providing high-quality care to all who walk through hospital doors. Hospitals steadfastly faced the daily crises of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure patients were always cared for, and hospitals are once again rising to this new test. As this chapter unfolds, all Californians can take comfort in the fact that hospitals are building on past lessons to respond in the present — and together, we will do all in our power to make sure hospitals across the United States have what they need to meet their mission of care.
