As of October 1, response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene remain the top priorities, with Healthcare Ready actively supporting recovery across Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
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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 October 1, response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene remain the top priorities, with Healthcare Ready actively supporting recovery across Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
As of October 1, East Coast and Gulf Coast port workers have officially gone on strike after the new labor contract negotiations fell through between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). The port closures could further exacerbate the response efforts in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene.
As of September 30, Baxter’s North Cove plant located in Marion, North Carolina experienced flooding from Hurricane Helene and is currently closed for production. Assessments on North Cove plant, the largest IV solutions plant in the US, are still being made to determine what impacts can be seen from a prolonged shutdown.
As a reminder, Healthcare Ready has activated RxOpen and shows pharmacies’ status in affected areas. The map will be updated twice daily while we are engaged for Hurricane Helene.
Impacts to Healthcare
Healthcare Infrastructure
The table below provides a snapshot of pharmacy status across the potentially impacted areas, as of October 1. This information was pulled from RxOpen.
Healthcare Facility Closures
Ballad Health Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin, Tennessee remains closed due to flooding.
The emergency room at Greeneville Community Hospital in Greenville, Tennessee, remains open, while all other services are suspended.
Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton, Tennessee, has suspended all services except for the emergency room, with plans to reopen on October 2.
As of October 1 at 2:15pm ET, here are the number of power outages reported in the affected states:
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.
TRICARE beneficiaries in Georgia may receive emergency prescription refills through October 5.
Additionally, out-of-state pharmacists may dispense prescription medications in affected counties during the time a state of emergency exists.
North Carolina
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.
Governor Kemp’s Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for Georgia also includes transportation waivers for suspending limiting hours of carriers to ensure the uninterrupted supply of services/supplies to respond to Hurricane Helene.
North Carolina
Governor Cooper's Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for North Carolina includes transportation waivers and suspension of motor vehicle regulations.
South Carolina
Governor McMaster’s Executive Order 2024-24, declaring a state of emergency for South Carolina, includes temporary transportation waivers and suspension of motor vehicle regulations.
Tennessee
Governor Lee’s Executive Order declaring a state of emergency for Tennessee, includes temporary transportation waivers and suspension of motor vehicle regulations.
On September 30, the Tennessee Department of Revenue granted a temporary suspension of requirements for the International Registration Plan and International Fuel Tax Agreement for carriers engaged in interstate disaster relief efforts.
Kentucky
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet issued Official Order No. 113789, which provides an exemption of hours of service and stoppage at weight stations.
Virginia
Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles temporary waiver authorizes 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 October 1, UPS has listed ZIP codes in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Virginia where services are impacted by Hurricane Helene.
As of October 1, FedEx has listed service status (no service and limited service) in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.
Road Closures
As of October 1, Florida has a few road closures due to flooding. Updates on road closures can be found here.
As of October 1, Georgia is continuing to clear roads of debris and flood waters and there are a few road closures due to flooding. Updates on road closures can be found here.
As of October 1, South Carolina has multiple road closures due to downed power lines, flooding, and debris. Updates on road closures can be found here.
As of October 1, all roads in Western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited.
I-40 is impassable in multiple locations and I-26 is closed at the Tennessee state line.
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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