Last week, as Hurricane Gustav came ashore along the Gulf Coast, HDMA played a key role in the support of Rx Response, a far-reaching effort by the entire pharmaceutical supply system to help ensure the continued flow of medicine to patients in a severe public health emergency. 

Rx Response serves as a single point of contact for the entire pharmaceutical supply system and relies on a robust network that allows federal and state emergency management officials to communicate with Rx Response regarding pharmaceutical needs and other issues which may impact the supply system. The communications are actively monitored by all segments of the pharmaceutical supply system to ensure the fastest possible resolution. 

HDMA  is very proud to be a key partner in Rx Response and we wanted to share some information with you on how HDMA and Rx Response have been working together to enhance public health over the past week.  HDMA serves as one of eight permanent members of Rx Response’s governing body, known as the Coordinating Body.  Members of the Coordinating Body include:

• American Hospital Association
• American Red Cross
• Biotechnology Industry Association
• Generic Pharmaceutical Association
• Healthcare Distribution Management Association
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores
• National Community Pharmacists Association
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America

Highlights of Critical Rx Response Activities Relating to Hurricane Gustav
and Other Tropical Storm Threats

• On Sunday, August 31st, HDMA joined with our Rx Response Coordinating Body members in deciding to elevate Rx Response to its highest level of engagement in anticipation of Hurricane Gustav.
• HDMA has participated in frequent conference calls with the Rx Response Coordinating Body. Through these calls, we have updated our pharmaceutical supply system partners on the status of distributor operations, including outreach to downstream customers and overall delivery status and shared information on potential barriers and re-entry status.
• On Monday, September 1st, Rx Response Coordinator Erin Mullen, RPh., Ph.D., was deployed to Louisiana at the request of the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals to serve in the State of Louisiana’s Emergency Operations Center to facilitate interaction between Rx Response and the State of Louisiana. Erin’s presence in the region drew praise from state and federal officials who appreciated the support provided by Rx Response. 
• The Rx Response leadership team remained in contact with public health officials in Texas, Mississippi and Alabama, advising them that Rx Response was standing by to provide assistance if needed. These public health officials all have contact numbers to reach Rx Response leaders at a moment’s notice.

Rx Response was also in direct contact with several federal agencies including the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Critical Infrastructure and Key Resource Protection Program, the DHS Private Sector Office and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Critical Infrastructure Program. Rx Response Coordinator Erin Mullen has also been working with federal officials overseeing the work of direct responders to Gustav, providing updates on the status of the pharmaceutical supply system. 

Rx Response Activities Regarding Tropical Storm Hanna
As Rx Response leaders managed response to Hurricane Gustav, close attention was being paid to Tropical Storm Hanna and its projected path which stretched from the east coast of Florida to Virginia. In response to Hanna, Rx Response:

• Contacted emergency management and public health officials in every state along the East Coast advising public health officials of Rx Response’s Alert Status in monitoring Hanna.
• Provided suggested language to Public Information Officers in affected states to drive consumers to Rx Response.org to download a printable wallet sized card with helpful information about medication related disaster safety tips. Patients visiting Rx Response.org can fill out a printable, wallet size medication card which includes information about current medications, medical conditions and contact information for doctors, pharmacists and emergency contacts. Rx Response leaders are also reminding consumers to take an adequate supply of medications during evacuations.   

Rx Response Activities Regarding Hurricane Ike
Hurricane Ike is expected to re-strengthen after leaving Cuba and now poses a serious threat to Texas and western Louisiana. In response to Hurricane Ike, Rx Response has taken the following actions:

• The Rx Response Coordinating Body remains at its highest level of engagement.
• Rx Response Coordinator Erin Mullen was deployed to the Florida Department of Health Emergency Operations Center on Sunday, September 7th at the request of Florida’s ESF 8 coordinator in the event that Hurricane Ike caused severe damage in the Florida Keys.
• Rx Response staff have contacted public health officials in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama to advise them of Rx Response’s engaged status and assure officials that Rx Response will closely monitor Ike and provide support as needed.
• Rx Response will begin disseminating information to consumers in Ike’s path urging them to visit Rx Response.org and follow helpful medical and safety tips in anticipation of Hurricane Ike.

HDMA will continue to keep you apprised of our work in support of Rx Response and the public health needs arising from Hurricanes Gustav and Ivan and any other tropical systems that pose a threat to public safety.