How suppliers keep healthcare running in crisis
Healthcare does not and cannot stop when disaster strikes. When unfortunate events happen, a critical network of suppliers is working behind the scenes to ensure healthcare providers and their facilities have the resources they need to continue caring for patients. HealthTrust relies on a network of dedicated supplier partners to help members navigate the unique challenges of natural disasters.
In 2024, Hurricanes Helene and Milton devastated many communities, putting immense strain on healthcare organizations across the southeastern U.S. In the face of these dual crises, Grainger didn’t let the unprecedented stand in the way; it went above and beyond so communities could continue receiving care and resources in the face of adversity.
Overcoming obstacles in the wake of hurricanes Helene & Milton
For over 25 years, Grainger has been a key partner with HealthTrust, specializing in B2B product sourcing, demonstrating their commitment to providing reliable, top-tier service, even during national emergencies like Hurricanes Milton and Helene. Grainger is HealthTrust’s sole source supplier for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) supplies.
Melanie Kuenning, Health Systems Sales Manager of Grainger, says, “We treat every request as the most important one.”
During the 23-day response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton, Grainger processed over 180 orders. From generators and hygiene kits to cots and over-the-counter medications, it was able to source almost any type of emergency supplies required by healthcare facilities in the impacted areas.
Grainger’s emergency response team stood ready to address any need. Just days before Hurricane Helene’s landfall, for example, Grainger received a critical request: source and deliver 1,200 cots to a healthcare facility in the hurricane’s path. Within 12 hours of the original request, Grainger was able to deliver the cots to the site. Shortly after, faced with a cleaning supplies shortage, Grainger stepped in, sourcing the required inventory from six locations and shipping it to the hospital in under 24 hours, ensuring continued operations and cleanliness.
When Hurricane Milton arrived shortly after, hospitals in the impacted region turned to Grainger again because of their positive experiences just two weeks prior.
“‘No’ isn’t in our vocabulary. It’s a testament to the process we have in place at Grainger when we activate emergency response,” explains Kuenning.
Preparing for future disasters
Informed by the experiences of these recent hurricanes, Grainger is looking ahead and bolstering its disaster preparedness strategy even further to enhance member value.
While the company has already strategically positioned distribution centers and pre-positions inventory along coastlines in anticipation of hurricane season, these recent storms underscored the need for even greater agility. With Grainger’s own facility in Asheville, North Carolina, facing destruction, its response involved not only leveraging coastal resources, but also strategically pulling stock and deploying trucks from inland locations to meet the surge in demand.
While Grainger is ready to help members should any disaster strike, it also emphasized the critical importance of proactive planning, collaboration and preparation between providers and suppliers before a crisis occurs. Grainger engages in ongoing dialogue with HealthTrust members to strengthen communication channels and collaboratively prepare for future crises. This includes educating members about the wide range of emergency supplies and layers of support available to them.
“Prepare with your partners during blue skies. Don’t wait. Emergency preparedness is key,” says Kuenning.
The nearly simultaneous challenges presented by Hurricanes Helene and Milton reflect the necessity of robust partnerships and proactive planning. Grainger ensures that when disaster strikes, healthcare providers can focus on what matters most—delivering essential care to their communities.
DISCUSS WITH YOUR HEALTHTRUST ACCOUNT MANAGER the desire to pre-plan for your facility’s emergency needs. For more information about Grainger or any of the other suppliers that are part of the Commercial Products & Services portfolio, email commercial@healthtrustpg.com
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