After September 11th and the anthrax crisis in the following months, HDMA undertook an aggressive emergency preparedness plan, seeking active involvement and coordination with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), terrorism experts, and other associations to develop a coordinated effort in response to terrorism and bioterrorism. Between the federal stockpile of push packs and supplies, manufacturers' ramp-up of products, and healthcare distributors' own emergency contingency plans, we are building a first line of defense in providing critical pharmaceutical and healthcare supplies during such emergencies.

Under the Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response Act, many HDMA distributor members are required to register with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as “food handlers.” All facilities must register with FDA if they manufacture, process, pack, or hold food regulated by FDA, including dietary supplements, infant formula, and hard candy (cough drops).

denotes HDMA members-only content. Join today.

Federal Activities

• DHS announces New Standards for Private Sector Preparedness - June 15, 2010
• OFW Memo on the Bioterrorism Act - October 20, 2006
• FDA Final Guidance on Records Access Under the Bioterrorism Act - OFW - November 21, 2005

• Rx Response Business Continuity Tips
• Food and Drug Administration Registration of Food Handlers
• Emergency Response and Pandemic Planning Education Session at HDMA Distribution Management Conference - June 2008

Rx Response

Rx Response is an information-sharing forum comprised of pharmaceutical manufacturers distributors, pharmacies, hospitals, disaster relief agencies and state/federal government agencies. The program engages during a severe natural disaster, large-scale terrorist attack or a pandemic that disrupts the normal supply of medicines. HDMA is a coordinating body member of Rx Response.

• Rx Response Fall Newsletter - September 28, 2011
• The International Association of Emergency Managers recently awarded Rx Response with one of only two national Partners in Preparedness Certificate of Recognitions as part of its 2010 Awards program. 
• HDMA Update on Hurricanes Gustav and Ike; Rx Response Activation
• HDMA Distributor Members, Rx Response Team Coordinate to Manage Customer Demand During Hurricane Dolly
• Rx Response Team Participates in Scenario-Planning Exercise in New York to Test Emergency Preparedness
• Rx Response Brochure
• ASHP News Article on Rx Response

Recent Activities

Emergency Preparedness - Supply Chain Coordination Seminar - co-hosted with Rx Response

Contacts
Marjorie DePuy
Director, Industry Relations
703-885-0283
mdepuy@hdmanet.org

Allison Wiley
Regulatory Affairs and Healthcare Policy Analyst
703-885-0266
awiley@hdmanet.org