10/16/2024

Associations in Action: Hurricane Response

Associations across the U.S. are working to support those affected by the storms

In the wake of two powerful recent hurricanes that have struck Southern states, Helene and Milton, associations have been contributing their resources and expertise to recovery efforts. Below is a sampling of some of their activities.

The American Library Association (ALA) announced that it is coordinating with library associations in the affected states. It is also collection donations for its ALA Disaster Relief Fund, established to support damaged or destroyed libraries. “Libraries are not just buildings; they are vital community institutions that provide refuge, distribute essential resources, and connect individuals to the information they need to navigate crises,” the ALA executive board said in a statement regarding Helene.

Helene caused serious damage to the Marion, N.C., facility of Baxter International, the nation’s largest manufacturer of IV and dialysis solutions. As a result of the supply-chain disruption caused by the damage, the American Hospital Association has pressed the White House to take emergency action, making short-term regulatory changes to address shortages. “The AHA invites the White House and agency experts to join us in a forum to communicate directly with our hospitals and health systems so that we can inform each other in real time on the status of the situation while we work together to mitigate the impact on patients,” AHA president CEO Richard Pollack wrote in an Oct. 7 letter to President Joe Biden. 

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.