ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Recent counts put the death toll from Hurricane Helene and its aftermath at more than 220 people, according to authorities, while hundreds more remain unaccounted for after the storm made landfall on Sept. 26.

A week later, many residents and communities remain isolated, stuck without food, water, power, or communication abilities.

In response, people from across the country – including Alaskans – have deployed to assist those in need in the Southeast region of the Lower 48. Watch the video above to hear from one group that’s working to help in North Carolina.

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ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Hospitals across the United States and in Alaska are dealing with an IV fluid shortage after flooding from Hurricane Helene caused medical supply manufacturers to cease production.

Baxter International, the largest supplier of IV fluid and peritoneal dialysis fluid for care facilities, was forced to shut the doors of its largest production facility in North Cove, North Carolina — which was impacted by major flooding and water saturating the building.

In a release Thursday, Baxter described their plans to minimize patient disruption moving forward, mentioning a customer limit on orders to prevent stockpiling saline, dextrose, and peritoneal dialysis solutions.

Alaskan hospitals are experiencing the effects of the shortage. Providence Alaska Medical Center said in a written statement:

“The situation and impact to products and availability are currently being assessed, but in the meantime, Providence is employing various mitigation strategies to ensure there is no disruption to patient care, including strategies to conserve current supply and use of alternative fluids and solutions as appropriate.”

Currently, the situation is not considered dire. In a release from Alaska Emergency Medical Services, State Director Michael Levy said it is hoped the situation will be resolved and production will resume quickly, but there are currently no details available.

Baxter’s statement from Thursday also mentioned their medical affairs team’s availability to advise on possible solutions while supply rationing is still in effect.

Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.

Alessandra F., Manager of Community Relations and Engagement, searched for meaningful ways to support local military families in the state of Alaska, where over 50,000 active-duty service members and their dependents reside, and where 1 in 10 Alaskans is a veteran. Her search led her to Fisher House Alaska, a long-standing Care Miles partner with Alaska Airlines.

Fisher House provides military families with a “home away from home” at no cost, allowing them to focus on medical care and recovery while finding comfort and community. Alaska Mileage Plan members can support this cause by donating miles here.

More than 30 Alaska Airlines employees spent the day at Fisher House, baking fresh brownies and cookies, organizing closets and pantries, and preparing thoughtful care packages for the families staying there. The day wrapped up with a hearty fall dinner cooked by our team, serving more than 50 guests and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for these deserving families.