As of September 27, Hurricane Helene has now downgraded to a tropical storm as it is moving through Georgia and the Carolinas up into Tennessee and Kentucky by this weekend. Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend late on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane.
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Healthcare Ready is ENGAGED for this event.We are monitoring potential concerns for supply chain disruptions and impacts on healthcare services on our response page, listing resources and previous situation reports.
As of September 27, Hurricane Helene has now downgraded to a tropical storm as it is moving through Georgia and the Carolinas up into Tennessee and Kentucky by this weekend.
Hurricane Helene made landfall along Florida’s Big Bend late on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane.
As a reminder, Healthcare Ready has activated Rx Open 3.0 which shows pharmacies’ status in affected areas. The map will be updated twice daily while we are engaged for Hurricane Helene.
We are continuing to monitor major healthcare impacts through the weekend. Some facilities have temporarily closed due to damage or power outages, with many rescheduling non-urgent and elective procedures.
Potential Impacts to Healthcare
Healthcare Facility Closures
Florida
Florida VA Facility closed through September 27 include the Bradenton VA Clinic, Sarasota VA Clinic, St. Petersburg VA Clinic, North Pinellas VA Clinic, Tallahassee VA Clinic, Valdosta VA Clinic, and C.W. Bill Young Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
As of September 27, emergency officials in Rutherford County stated that the failure of Lake Lure Dam was imminent and urged residents to evacuate immediately.
The Georgia Board of Pharmacy released a statement reminding pharmacy licensees that they can provide refills of certain medications for up to 30 days due to Governor Kemp’s emergency declaration.
The North Carolina Department of Insurance released a bulletin reminding health benefit plans of their obligation to comply with regulations for providing extra prescription refills during a declared state of emergency.
The North Carolina Board of Pharmacy issued an emergency services waiver allowing licensed pharmacists and nationally-certified pharmacy technicians from other states to practice in North Carolina during the state of emergency, provided they meet specific conditions.
CVS Caremark has enabled pharmacy claims for an emergency refill of a 10-day supply of medication for members in affected regions.
Independence Blue Cross has lifted prescription refill restrictions for members impacted in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama.
TRICARE beneficiaries in Alabama may receive emergency prescription refills through October 6.
Potential Impacts to Supply Chain
Transportation Waivers
On September 26, Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles authorized a temporary waiver for carriers transporting essential emergency supplies and services. This provides a waiver of registration and licensing as well as normal weight and width restrictions for on roads.
As of September 27, the Port of Jacksonville continues to prohibit vessel movements. All terminal gates remain open and landside cargo operations continue.
As of September 27, the Port of Fernandina remains at port condition ZULU, based on the US Coast Guard.
Airports
As of September 27, all Florida airports are open and operational however specific airlines might have cancellations and delays.
Logistics
UPS stated that services in Florida and other southern states may be impacted by Hurricane Helene.
FedEx stated that delays and disruptions are likely for inbound and outbound shipments in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and other impacted areas.
Road Closures
In Florida, there are multiple road closures due to flooding and debris. Updates on road closures can be found here.
In Georgia, there are multiple road closures due to flooding and debris. Updates on road closures can be found here.
In South Carolina, there are multiple road closures due to downed power lines, flooding, and debris. Updates on road closures can be found here.
In North Carolina, there are multiple road closures due to flooding and debris. All roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed. Updates on road closures can be found here.
This is impacting the movement of supplies, food, water, and services to a majority of the state – including emergency shelters that have exhausted resources.
About Healthcare Ready
Healthcare Ready is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to ensure patient access to healthcare in times of disaster, emergency, and disease outbreaks. We leverage unique relationships with government, nonprofit and medical supply chains to build and enhance the resiliency of communities before, during and after disasters. Learn more about Healthcare Ready
Healthcare Ready leverages unique relationships with government, nonprofit and medical supply chains to build and enhance the resiliency of communities before, during and after disasters.
Healthcare Ready is approved by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501 (C)(3) tax-exempt organization, and all donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. Healthcare Ready's Federal Identification Number (EIN) is 46-3134601.
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