Rx Response mobilizes to help facilitate pharmaceutical distribution as East Coast rebuilds from Sandy

WASHINGTON — Rx Response, an initiative of America’s bio-pharmaceutical supply system to help ensure the continued flow of medicine to patients in a severe public health emergency, has continued its close coordination with federal, state and local government agencies to address impacts from Hurricane Sandy on the bio-pharmaceutical supply system, the organization announced Friday. 

Rx Response officials remain in daily contact with senior officials at the Department of Homeland Security, FEMA and the Department of Health and Human Services, providing updates on Hurricane Sandy’s impact on the medicine supply chain.

A key focal point in the discussions between Rx Response and government agencies has been addressing challenges in getting fuel to delivery trucks re-supplying hospitals and pharmacies, and helping to secure fuel for pharmacies and other healthcare facilities operating on generator power. Efforts are currently underway to help ensure access to fuel for both delivery fleets and healthcare facilities powered by generators.  Rx Response is also working with local law enforcement to help delivery vehicles gain access to areas impacted 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, SVP industry relations, membership and education for the Healthcare Distribution Management Association, a member of Rx Response and the trade association representing primary healthcare distributors.

In addition, Rx Response also continues to update its Pharmacy Status Reporting Tool, an online program that allows emergency managers and the public to readily locate open pharmacies in communities that have been impacted by severe weather or other events at www.rxresponse.org. Many government agencies also have included links to the PSRT on their websites and in other communications.

“NACDS and its members appreciate the continued efforts by Rx Response to put patients first during this challenging time," stated Steven Anderson, president and CEO for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. "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."