Washington, D.C. – Rx Response, an unprecedented initiative of America’s pharmaceutical supply system to help ensure the continued flow of medicine to patients in a severe public health emergency, is closely monitoring Tropical Storm Hanna, which is expected to regain hurricane status within the next 24 hours. 

To help residents in states potentially impacted by Hanna, Rx Response leaders are urging individuals to go to www.RxResponse.org  to review preparation tips and to fill out a printable, wallet size medication card. The medication card includes information about current medications, medical conditions and contact information for doctors, pharmacists and emergency contacts. Rx Response leaders would like to remind consumers to take an adequate supply of medications during evacuations.  

Rx Response was developed nearly 2 years ago in response to Hurricane Katrina and the threat of pandemic influenza.  Rx Response members include: 

• American Hospital Association (AHA)
• American Red Cross
• Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
• Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA)
• Healthcare Distribution Management Association (HDMA)
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
• National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

Rx Response is a single point of contact for the entire pharmaceutical supply system and relies on a robust network that allows federal and state emergency management officials to communicate with Rx Response regarding pharmaceutical needs and other issues which may impact the supply system. The communications are actively monitored by all segments of the pharmaceutical supply system to ensure the fastest possible resolution.

Rx Response is not equipped to accept requests for pharmaceutical assistance directly from individuals.  Anyone with questions about accessing prescription medicine following a natural disaster is urged to contact their physician, local pharmacy or state designated agency.