Wichita business feeling impact of hurricane-related supply disruption

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – As Hurricane Milton bears down on Florida, the prior storm, Hurricane Helene, continues causing supply issues, including in the medical field. A Wichita business unable to get IV bags is among those feeling the far-reaching impact.

The business, ICT IV describes itself as a mobile IV bar that brings “the benefits of IV infusion therapy directly to you through [its] mobile IV services.”

ICT IV Owner Jasmine Douangpraseuth is one of many health professionals in the U.S. navigating a supply shortage due to Hurricane Milton. She says small health businesses like hers may be in jeopardy.

“We’re hoping we don’t get to that point but as of right now, there is nobody selling and distributing IV bags to small businesses, and that’s with good reason,” Douangpraseuth said.

She said in situations like these, hospitals and medical centers take priority, and rightfully so.

“As far as the direct needs for IV fluids, if we’re talking dehydration or any kind of illnesses or anything that’s causing them to truly need the fluids, that’s gonna be cutting it close for everybody,” Douangpraseuth said.

The impact on ICT IV comes with Baxter International, one of the leading suppliers for saline and IV bags halting production due to the hurricane.

“Remediation efforts are already underway and we will spare no resource, human or financial to resume production and help ensure patients and providers have the products they need,” the company said.

Baxter International also committed more than $1 million to disaster relief funds. In the meantime, professionals like Douangpraseuth will be impacted, but the ICT IV owner understands who needs the resources the most.

“First and foremost to make sure hospitals and urgent care centers have what they need, then the rest of us can resume our normal operations,” Douangpraseuth said.

12 News also reached out to Ascension Via Christi and Wesley Healthcare to see if they’re impacted by a hurricane-related medical supply shortage. Ascension Via Christi responded late Wednesday afternoon, saying that at least for now, it’s not being affected by a supply shortage.

Copyright 2024 KWCH. All rights reserved. To report a correction or typo, please email news@kwch.com