Quicker Response To Public Health Emergencies (NAPSA)—After a disaster such as Hurricane Katrina hits, public health officials, government leaders and communities typically work to improve their ability to respond to a public health emergency. One big concern is improv- x ww) uy hs aa “ ‘ ; AS CA ing response time to quickly help get necessary medical care to disaster victims. The need to improve response time and to help meet the medical and health needs of disaster victims as quickly as possible prompted the formation of a new coalition of health care organizations. The Rx Response partnership—launched recently in New Orleans, La. and Miami, Fla.— brings together state and local emergency agencies as well as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and other health care leaders that include the American Hospital Association, American Red Cross, Biotechnology Industry Organization, Healthcare Distribution Management Associa- tion, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and the National Community Pharmacists Association. Rx Response seeks to stream- line communications between critical players in the medicine supply chain. For example, in the past, the pharmaceutical supply chain could be disrupted during a public disaster, making it difficult to get needed, lifesaving medicines to the public. Rx Response creates a central information clearinghouse to help eliminate gaps in the medicine supply chain. Now, during a severe public health disaster and its aftermath, Rx Response will help make sure that vital information is quickly shared among communityrelief organizations as well as the appropriate local, state and federal agencies. In addition, Rx Response part- The partnership brings together state and local emergency agencies so the supply chain is not interrupted. ners recognize that patient pre- paredness is key to meeting and overcoming the health care challenges resulting from a severe pub- lic health disaster. For instance, it is very important in a severe public health emergency to quickly determine the medications that patients—often dislocated from home, records and their doctor’s office— need. To be better prepared, patients can now visit the Rx Response Web site (www.RxRe sponse.org) and create a wallet- or purse-size printout (in English or Spanish) of their medications and other relevant medical information. According to Billy Tauzin, president and CEO, PhRMA,“During a disaster, it is vital that systems are in place to assist with the continued delivery of medicines to hospitals, health care providers and patients in need. Rx Response is dedicated to assisting with the delivery of critical medicines to patients whose health is threatened duringa crisis.” The Rx Response partnership is working to make disaster preparednessa public health priority. For more information about Rx Response, go to www.RxResponse. org or www.PhRMA.org.
