INDIANAPOLIS — Some Indiana hospitals are now being forced to conserve their supplies of IV fluids. A press release from the Indiana Hospital Association indicates a shortage of IV fluids has impacted medical facilities throughout the U.S. The IHA reported that the shortage has had varying impacts from hospital to hospital. The shortage and delays in shipments from third-party vendors has forced some hospitals to examine their stocks and prioritize patients that need the fluids the most. Per the IHA, hospitals have also implemented various conservation plans. Some have tried reviewing and optimizing fluid usage for each patient, and others have begun to explore alternative therapy options. The IHA has been adamant that IV fluid is still readily available for emergency care and urgent surgeries. Some patients in Indiana, however, will need to reschedule non-emergency and elective procedures. The IHA reported that patients will be notified by their healthcare providers if their elective or non-emergency procedures need to be rescheduled. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the shortage was caused by Hurricane Helene, which damaged a North Carolina facility where Baxter International Inc. produces IV fluids. The IHA has reported that Baxter's production has returned to 60% of what it was previously. Despite that, some Indiana hospitals are still waiting to receive fluids and bolster their overall supplies. “We’re certainly not alone in this predicament as this is a nationwide shortage impacting every state,” Blake Dye, the interim president of the IHA, said in a release. “Hoosiers should feel confident that Indiana’s hospitals are managing through the current situation, taking proactive measures that are aligned with clinical best practices, and are working diligently to minimize the impact on patient care.” The IHA's 174 member hospitals, the Indiana Department of Health and the American Hospital Association are working together to convey the impact the shortage has had on hospitals across the country. The IHA reported that the agencies are still frequently discussing the shortage with Baxter and its distributors. The HHS has also permitted the importation of IV fluids from international suppliers. The FDA has conducted scientific and regulatory assessments to help facilitate the importation of 23 different IV and peritoneal fluids from Baxter facilities around the world. “Despite Baxter’s return to 60% production, and the incoming shipments from international suppliers, it could take weeks until some hospitals begin receiving their allocation of IV fluids,” said Blake Dye, interim president of the IHA. The HHS has reported that Baxter will increase its production level to 90-100% of what it had previously been by the end of the year. “We appreciate the way that Indiana hospitals are minimizing the impact this national shortage is having on patient care,” State Health Commissioner Lindsay M. Weaver said via release. “The Indiana Department of Health is in contact with Indiana hospitals and remains dedicated to working with our state and federal partners until the situation is resolved.”