Medical Device Industry Aids Relief Effort

Citing hurricane Katrina’s impact on the nation and their employees in particular, medical device companies have pledged millions of dollars in products and funding to help in the national relief effort. Additionally, AdvaMed, the industry’s largest trade group, is helping to ensure that relief workers have an adequate supply of medical products to treat victims.
    According to the Washington-based AdvaMed, the industry as of September 9 had pledged at least $24 million in products and cash for the relief effort. The official industry representative to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during a natural disaster, AdvaMed also helped coordinate efforts to ensure medical supplies reached doctors and medical facilities treating victims.
    “We are proud to do our part in the effort to help the victims of the terrible devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina,” said AdvaMed President Stephen J. Ubl.  “The medical technology industry will provide whatever assistance we can to alleviate the suffering now and in the weeks and months to come.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this tragedy.”
    The organization said it served as a liaison to HHS and had received a list of medical supplies and the quantities needed. AdvaMed, which became the official liaison to the department for the medical technology sector following the 9/11 attacks, also acted as a conduit for supplies not specifically on HHS’ list but are nevertheless needed by the victims.
    Additionally, many medical device companies said they were establishing funds and raising money for victims. Among those included J&J, Boston Scientific, Edwards LifeSciences, BD, Baxter, Medtronic, Cardinal Health and others.