#United States #Civica #Drug Shortages #Lehi #Avera

Avera Partners with Civica to Address Drug Shortages

In a significant move to combat the persistent challenge of drug shortages in the U.S. healthcare system, Avera, a prominent nonprofit healthcare provider in the Upper Midwest, has joined forces with Civica, a nonprofit pharmaceutical organization dedicated to mitigating such shortages. This partnership aims to provide vital support for hospitals in need of essential generic sterile injectable medicines.

Drug shortages are a growing concern within the healthcare landscape, as highlighted by a report from the American Society of Hospital Pharmacists. The report reveals a daunting number of critical drugs regularly encountering shortages, particularly sterile injectables that are crucial in urgent care scenarios. The American Hospital Association has also noted that over 99% of hospital pharmacists reported facing drug shortages, with a significant percentage categorizing these shortages as critically impactful.

The Civica Model

The innovative model adopted by Civica allows hospitals to establish direct contracts with the organization, bypassing middlemen and ensuring that they receive consistent availability of drugs at a predictable cost. Under this framework, hospitals that are members of Civica not only choose the medications they require but also benefit from uniform pricing regardless of their size. This pricing transparency is coupled with a commitment to maintain a buffer inventory that spans six months, a feature aimed at increasing supply stability.

Civica’s strong focus on U.S.-based suppliers reinforces its mission to deliver high-quality pharmaceutical products. This local sourcing strategy not only supports the domestic economy but also enhances the safety and reliability of the medicines distributed to hospitals nationwide.

Avera’s Commitment to Patients

Thomas Johnson, the Vice President of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services at Avera, remarked on the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The partnership with Civica helps us better serve our patients by providing them the medicines they need at the point of care.” This reflects a broader commitment by Avera to ensure that healthcare providers can focus on patient care rather than the logistical challenges posed by drug shortages.

The collaboration is significant given the current landscape where hospitals are compelled to dedicate additional resources—both in terms of manpower and finances—to locate, procure, and administer alternative medications when shortages occur. Avera’s membership with Civica features a streamlined procurement process, allowing more time for healthcare staff to concentrate on their primary goal: patient health.

Growth and Impact of Civica

Since its inception, Civica has made impressive strides in expanding its network and product offerings. Currently, it serves nearly sixty health systems across the United States, encompassing around 1,400 hospitals. The organization is already delivering over seventy essential drugs, including antibiotics and cardiovascular medications, all prioritized based on the members' needs and risks of shortage.

Civica was established in response to the ongoing crises of drug shortages, driven by a coalition of health systems and philanthropic organizations. Their goal is to create a stable and affordable supply of essential medicines, marking a transformative approach to a crisis that has plagued the industry for more than a decade.

As this partnership unfolds, the potential for Avera and Civica to make measurable improvements in the delivery of healthcare and the management of drug availability holds great promise. By working together, both organizations aim to set a precedent for the future of pharmaceutical distribution, ensuring that every patient has access to the medications they require without the disruptions caused by shortages.