After September 11th and the anthrax crisis in the following months, HDMA undertook an aggressive emergency preparedness plan, seeking active involvement and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), terrorism experts, and other associations to develop a coordinated effort in response to terrorism and bioterrorism. Between the federal stockpile of push packs and supplies, manufacturers' ramp-up of products, and healthcare distributors' own emergency contingency plans, we are building a first line of defense in providing critical pharmaceutical and healthcare supplies during such emergencies.

Under the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act, many HDMA distributor members are required to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “food handlers.” All facilities must register with FDA if they manufacture, process, pack, or hold food regulated by FDA, including dietary supplements, infant formula, and hard candy (cough drops).

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Federal Activities

• OFW Memo on the Bioterrorism Act - October 20, 2006
• FDA Final Guidance on Records Access Under the Bioterrorism Act - OFW - November 21, 2005

• Food and Drug Administration Registration of Food Handlers
• Emergency Response and Pandemic Planning Education Session at HDMA Distribution Management Conference - June 2008

Rx Response

Rx Response is an information-sharing forum comprised of pharmaceutical manufacturers distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, disaster relief agencies and state/federal government agencies. The program engages during a severe natural disaster, large-scale terrorist attack or a pandemic that disrupts the normal supply of medicines.

• HDMA Update on Hurricanes Gustav and Ike; Rx Response Activation
• HDMA Distributor Members, Rx Response Team Coordinate to Manage Customer Demand During Hurricane Dolly
• Rx Response Team Participates in Scenario-Planning Exercise in New York to Test Emergency Preparedness
• Rx Response Brochure
• ASHP News Article on Rx Response

Upcoming Activities

In order to enhance communication for members in emergency response preparedness, we are adding a data field in our member database for the names of distributor member representatives listed as authorized contacts for emergency planning.

If you have not already done so, please let us know who will be responsible for this role (up to two contacts) within your organization:

Business continuity/ Emergency management/ Crisis owner (will also be the liaison for Rx Response)

Contacts
Marjorie DePuy
Associate Director, Industry Relations
703-885-0283
mdepuy@hdmanet.org

Anita Ducca
Senior Director, Regulatory Affairs
703-885-0240
aducca@hdmanet.org