Updated: Oct. 29, 2024
Final Update
DPH will continue helping our state recover from Helene. This includes monitoring and addressing IV concerns, supporting those impacted by the storm with a focus on their physical and mental health, and planning for long-term response and recovery.
Intravenous Fluid Supply Disruption
Baxter International Inc., the largest manufacturing plant for IV bags in the country, is in western North Carolina and was heavily damaged by Hurricane Helene.
DPH continues working with federal and state partners to actively assess the impact of this event and develop strategies to address any potential supply shortages. We are taking proactive steps to ensure that we are prepared for any disruptions. The FDA Drug Shortages website is the best place to find up to date information on IV fluid and other Baxter product supply information.
On Oct. 4, DPH issued a Health Advisory: Intravenous Fluid Supply Disruption to communicate the issue, share Baxter’s guidance for supply management and conservation and ask all health care providers and facilities to assist in being good stewards of our state’s existing supply of resources.
On Oct. 8, DPH sent an Important Notice: Intravenous Fluid Supply Disruption to all health care providers, facilities and other providers who use intravenous (IV) fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions asking them to help manage and conserve the existing supply of IV fluids.
On Oct. 14, DPH forwarded a CDC Health Advisory communicating about the issue to South Carolina public health and clinical networks.
On Oct. 16, DPH sent out a survey to non-hospital clinical partners including ambulatory surgery centers and renal care centers about their IV fluid supply and inventory. DPH is continuing to assess the situation and respond to critical supply needs in a follow up survey sent Oct. 23.
DPH is working closely with the SC Hospital Association to understand hospital systems supply and inventory of IV fluid products.
While the supply disruption is ongoing, DPH continues to recommend inventory management and stewardship strategies outlined below by professional societies.
Strategies for IV Fluid Stewardship
- American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
ASHP - Small- and Large-Volume Fluid Shortages: Suggestions for Management and Conservation - American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
Clinical Alert: Conservation of IV Fluids Urged with NC Manufacturing Factory Closed | ACEP - American Society of Nephrology
Interim Strategies for peritoneal dialysis (PD) solution use for prevalent patients undergoing PD - American Society of Anesthesiologists
Statement on Intravenous (IV) Fluid Bag Spiking (asahq.org) - Baxter International, Inc.
September 30 Medical Information Letter for Healthcare Facilities
October 1 Medical Information Letter for Home Dialysis Customers
In the event of a future shortage of IV fluids and peritoneal dialysis solutions, we will continue to communicate with our statewide partners and provide updates on any developments.
Hotlines
- Care Line
1-855-472-3432
Call our helpline for women and their families to make it easier to get the health care you need. Staff are available to answer calls from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. - Disaster Distress Helpline
Call or text 1-800-985-5990
Call this toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service if you need help. It is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Helene has made an impact on all of us in some way, and watching it unfold has not been easy. It is important after a natural disaster to take care of your mental health and well-being.
The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has shared some resources to aid survivors, responders, and all who are witnessing this tragedy.
- Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event: Managing Stress
- Mass Disasters, Trauma, and Loss Booklet
- Helping Youth After Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
- Helping Older Adults After Disasters: A Guide to Providing Support
- Faith Communities & Disaster Mental Health Tip Sheet
- Rural Disaster Behavioral Health: A Guide for Outreach Workers and Crisis Counselors
Helping Children Cope
Ready.gov has some resources for parents and caregivers to help children cope during disasters.
Team South Carolina County Days
DPH participated in all seven of the county days that the Governor's Office scheduled (releases Oct. 7, Oct. 10 and Oct. 17). During these days, staff gave 51 Tdap and 116 flu vaccines and helped 430 individuals who were interested in WIC services.
Latest News
- Oct. 8, 2024: DPH, SCDMH, DAODAS Emphasize Importance of Mental Health Amid Hurricane Helene Impacts
- Oct. 7, 2024: DPH’s Care Line Resumes Normal Hours
- Sept. 27, 2024 (updated Sept. 29): DPH’s Public Information Care Line Now Available 24/7
DPH Offices
DPH follows the closings and delays of county offices. For example, if Beaufort County offices are closed, DPH health clinics and offices in Beaufort County also will be closed. The latest information on delays and closures can be found at scemd.org/closings or on local news stations.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to your local news channels, visit EMD’s website at scemd.org, download EMD’s free mobile app, and get the latest information from DPH by following us on X (Twitter) and Facebook.