Sens. Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona are urging federal health officials to work with health-care systems to address the nationwide IV fluid shortage.
Hurricane Helene caused significant damage to the largest IV fluid supplier for hospitals in the United States.
“Hospitals across Arizona and the country are facing serious challenges due to the shortage of intravenous (IV) fluids, a critical resource for patient care. The closure of the Baxter International plant has put additional strain on healthcare providers. My team is in touch with hospitals around the state to understand need and help identify solutions. I will continue working with my colleagues and the administration to ensure hospitals receive the supplies they need to care for patients," Kelly said in a statement.
Damage to the Baxter International facility in North Carolina has caused an ongoing shortage, prompting hospitals to ration supplies and give patients oral hydration, like Gatorade.
In a letter, the senators urged the secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to work with hospital and health systems to address the shortage and supply chain issues.
The Food and Drug Administration has issued guidance for doctors to help meet patient needs.
Read the letter from Kelly and Sinema
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