As a result of the wildfire emergency in California, the Rx Response Pre-Emergency Planning phase has been activated -- monitoring medicine delivery and healthcare availability in Southern California, and working with our partners and government emergency officials to receive up-to-the-minute information.

After careful review among the partners of Rx Response, we have determined that normal business practices are currently able to handle the situation in California. At this time, the normal pharmaceutical supply system is operating effectively.

On the whole, pharmacies are open, very few hospital systems have been ordered to evacuate and our Rx Response members are not reporting product shortages. As a result of this discussion, Rx Response will not formally activate, but will continue to operate in alert mode and monitor the situation.

Individuals impacted by the wildfires and those ordered to evacuate their homes are strongly encouraged to pack their medicines. It’s important that people always carry a list of their medications with the specific dosage, and if applicable, a list of medications for all the members of their family. Click here for a wallet card individuals may fill out and print.

For those evacuees who no longer have access to their prescription medicines and are in need of them, there are several options for refilling prescriptions. They may visit their local pharmacy or a pharmacy within their chain network. Additionally, community pharmacies can obtain and fill some patients' prescriptions through a secure network that has been activated due to this crisis, even when the prescription is at another pharmacy. As always, patients may contact their doctor to obtain a new prescription that may be filled at an open pharmacy. For more information go to www.ICERx.org or call 1-888.ICERX.50 (1-888-423-7950).