AHRMM, HIDA Announce Joint Task Force on Disaster Readiness

Alexandria, Va., October 24, 2001- In response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, the Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) and the Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management (AHRMM) of the American Hospital Association (AHA), announced the creation of a joint task force to ensure that health care providers have timely access to all the supplies and products they need to treat patients in times of crisis.

The task force will provide tools, information and plans to coordinate the seamless delivery of health care products to the point of care site during a disaster. As these resources become available, they will be posted on www.ahrmm.org and www.hidanetwork.com. Members of the task force will include managers and executives from distribution and materials management as well as other segments of the supply chain.

"Medical products play an important role in America's response to and recovery from disasters," stated Deborah L. Sprindzunas, AHRMM's executive director. "AHRMM is committed to working with HIDA to ensure that caregivers have ready access to the supplies they need, when they need them - especially in extraordinary situations."

HIDA President & CEO Matthew J. Rowan added, "HIDA and AHRMM have recognized the need for additional planning and collaboration to increase the supply chain's disaster preparedness. We are working closely with the Office of Emergency Preparedness' (OEP) National Disaster Medical System to put plans in place to provide their medical teams the supplies and products they need in times of crisis."

About AHRMM
The Association for Healthcare Resource & Materials Management is the leading national association for executives in the healthcare resource and materials management profession. A personal membership group of the American Hospital Association, the Association serves more than 2,900 active members. Founded in 1962, AHRMM prepares its members to contribute to the field and advance the profession through networking, education, recognition, and advocacy. For more information, visit www.ahrmm.org.

About HIDA
The Health Industry Distributors Association (HIDA) is the national trade association representing medical products distributors. HIDA members serve the nation's hospital, imaging, long term care, and physician/alternate care markets. HIDA provides products and services to enhance the business performance of member companies. Products and services include industry advocacy and representation to Congress and federal agencies, business tools and resources, educational programs, and the premier industry event, the Healthcare Distribution Conference and Expo.