Healthcare Organizations Launch Disaster Response Initiative

Health care organizations involved
in the manufacturing, distribution and dispensing of pharmaceutical
products came together today to announce the creation of Rx Response -- a
program designed to help support the continued delivery of medicines during
a severe public health emergency. The partnership includes the American
Hospital Association, American Red Cross, Biotechnology Industry
Organization, Healthcare Distribution Management Association, National
Association of Chain Drug Stores, National Community Pharmacists
Association and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.



"During a disaster, it is vital that systems are in place to assist
with the continued delivery of medicines to hospitals, healthcare providers
and patients in need," said Billy Tauzin, president and CEO, Pharmaceutical
Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). "Rx Response is a
partnership dedicated to assist with the delivery of critical medicines to
patients whose health is threatened during a crisis."



The Rx Response program includes the pharmaceutical and biotechnology
manufacturing industries as well as distribution companies, community
pharmacies and hospitals -- all of whom play a role in delivering medicines
to patients. The group also includes the American Red Cross -- and all of
the partners worked with the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services
and Homeland Security to develop this program. Additionally, the
partnership is working with state emergency agencies to further develop the
program to help support the continued delivery of medications to patients
whose health may be threatened during a crisis.



"Disasters can strike at any time and the American Red Cross encourages
all families and individuals to be Red Cross Ready by taking three simple
steps -- get a kit, make a plan, and be informed," said Joe Becker, senior
vice president, Preparedness and Response. "An important part of any
disaster kit is the inclusion of any vital medications, in addition to at
least three days supplies of food and water and other essential items. This
initiative can be vital in helping people plan for the possibility of
disaster."



In the past, when the pharmaceutical supply chain was disrupted, there
was no single forum for suppliers to convene and share information. Now, Rx
Response will help support information sharing among partners, community
volunteer relief organizations and local, state and federal agencies
responding to major disasters by helping to support the continued delivery
of critical medicines and, where possible, addressing challenges.



"Daily and in times of crisis, HDMA's primary healthcare distributors
are prepared and on the front lines delivering billions of prescription
medicines and healthcare products to 144,000 local pharmacies, hospitals,
doctors offices, clinics and nursing homes across the United States. As a
partner in Rx Response we continue our commitment to emergency preparedness
and coordinated response efforts on behalf of patients," said John M. Gray,
president and CEO, Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA).
















The program will be activated when responding to severe domestic public
health emergencies -- when existing emergency relief plans and service
programs are disrupted -- to help assist partner organizations in their
individual response activities. For example, a disaster declared by a U.S.
Governor or the President of the United States, may initiate Rx Response
program engagement. Other situations warranting initiation, as determined
by Rx Response, may also activate the program. While public health
emergencies will be determined on a case-by-case basis, there are a number
of existing mechanisms that will be used to help guide decision-making:


-- Disaster declaration by a U.S. Governor or the U.S. President


-- American Red Cross Level V+ Event


-- Department of Homeland Security Severe Classification


-- World Health Organization Phase IV+ Event


-- Health and Human Services Stage 2+ Event


-- Other situations warranting a response as determined by the respective
decision-making bodies within the represented industry groups



"In times of crisis, people turn to hospitals to help and heal. To do
our jobs, the men and women of America's hospitals need important resources
such as medicines," said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO, American
Hospital Association. "In extraordinary situations, we've learned that we
need a better way to help provide hospital caregivers with the tools they
need to do their job. This effort will help do just that."



In addition, Rx Response partners emphasized the important role
patients play in emergency preparedness. The consumer website,
RxResponse, offers visitors the opportunity to print a
convenient wallet card -- in English or Spanish -- where they can include a
personal list of medications and other relevant medical information in case
of emergency.



"As leaders in the production of existing therapies and the development
of new treatments for patients, biotechnology companies are proud to
participate in Rx Response," said Jim Greenwood, CEO of Bio. "We know this
program, in tandem with government efforts, will be extremely valuable in a
severe public health emergency to improve access for patients to
life-saving biotech medicines."



"Retail community pharmacy has a strong track record in maintaining
essential prescription services during times of disasters. In fact, a
just-released Department of Health and Human Services Office of the
Inspector General report suggests that community pharmacy did just that
after Hurricane Katrina," said Steven C. Anderson, IOM, CAE, president and
CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS). "The new Rx
Response program is a natural extension of the capabilities of pharmacists,
as front-line health care providers, in serving the public in critical
circumstances."



"The National Community Pharmacists Association is pleased to
participate in an effort to help facilitate collaboration between the
private and government sectors. Many of the 23,300 community pharmacies in
the U.S. are located in rural and underserved areas where patients have the
greatest medication needs-especially in the event of a disaster. We look
forward to working with the Rx Response groups in concert with federal
initiatives," said Bruce T. Roberts, R. Ph, executive vice president and
CEO, National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA).



Rx Response is comprised of healthcare organizations recognizing that
access to medicines during times of severe public health emergencies
requires a broad public effort and close communication among the many
public and private sector stakeholders involved. This includes responding
agencies such as government agencies, as well as private relief groups.


Rx Response

RxResponse