Supply Chain

The Biden administration's plan to distribute 1 billion rapid COVID-19 tests is putting pressure on manufacturers and distributors to bolster tight nationwide supplies, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 16. 

Ten health systems have posted job listings for supply chain expertise in the last week:

The Los Angeles County Department of Health Services said blood shortages forced the trauma center at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center to close for several hours on Jan. 10, The Los Angeles Times reported. 

The aisles for over-the-counter cough and cold medicines are nearly bare across Dallas Walmart, Target, CVS and Sam's Club locations, The Dallas Morning News reported Jan. 10. 

Between the struggles of COVID-19 and the constant supply challenges, the past two years have been exhausting for healthcare workers.

The FDA has extended the shelf life of nearly 1 million rapid COVID-19 test kits that first expired in a Florida warehouse in September, the Miami Herald reported Jan. 11. 

The American Red Cross, which supplies 40 percent of the nation's blood, on Jan. 11 declared the first-ever national blood crisis. 

Medical device recalls, whether voluntary or mandated by the FDA, ensure patient safety. 

The increasing demand for COVID-19 testing is prompting some labs across the U.S. to ration access and prioritize patients presenting symptoms or other health concerns, The Wall Street Journal reported Jan. 10.

As we approach the end of the year, many health systems will likely be looking for opportunities for any additional cost savings after facing financial headwinds throughout 2021.