Rx Response's planning and response activities focus on addressing severe U.S. public health emergencies that arise during or following a natural disaster, pandemic or act of bioterrorism and include international public health considerations that may affect the delivery of critical medicines in the United States.

A public health emergency will be determined on a case by case basis by employing the following guidance:

• Disaster declaration by a Governor or the President; and/or
• DHS Threat Advisory Red/Severe Classification; and/or
• Health and well being of a significant number of persons is materially threatened or affected; and/or
• Local, regional, national, or global healthcare infrastructure is significantly compromised; and/or
• Ability to provide ample biopharmaceuticals in sufficient quantities or in a timely fashion is challenged; and/or
• The underlying disaster dynamics are not quickly or simply resolved (e.g. within several days or through normal business practices by individual companies); and/or
• Requests by the media for information on greater than normal demand or shortages within the biopharmaceutical supply system; and/or
• Other situations warranting a response as determined by the respective decision-making bodies within the represented industry groups.

Rx Response officials are confident that the normal biopharmaceutical supply system is robust and experienced enough to handle most local situations. During severe public health emergencies, we will help facilitate communication between various points in the biopharmaceutical supply system to help ensure that patients receive their medications.

If you are unsure if an emergency has been declared or for more information about current disasters, visit DisasterHelp.gov.