The availability of saline IV bags has plummeted because a major manufacturer in Puerto Rico, Baxter International Inc. was affected by Hurricane Irma, causing saline shipments to be delayed.

Puerto Rico was intensely affected by the hurricane, while production problems hit another key manufacturer of the bags this year. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday that production at Puerto Rico plants remains fragile.

Junior Tamara Seran stated that her family in Puerto Rico who was affected by the hurricane, stated that, “It’s a really tragic thing that happened.” Seran stated that her grandmother who is in chemotherapy is directly affected by this as well because now, “her health is more at risk than ever.” Seran expressed that she was very worried for her grandmother and others in Puerto Rico who are suffering from the shortage.

Sophomore Kevin Rodriguez said that the IV bag shortage is a “sad and disappointing” situation. “I know many people will be affected by this situation, and I wish that they were receiving more help.”

Senior Jayde Marshall stated that it has been “more than 100 days since the Hurricane happened and 90% of Puerto Rico still has no electricity.” Marshall mentioned that she and her family has donated to a couple of GoFundMe accounts to help some families in Puerto Rico who’ve lost their home. “It’s a shame really, that all this is happening, I wish I could help some more.”

The saline bag shortage has encouraged people to create GoFundMe accounts in order to donate money to help. This nationwide shortage of intravenous bags is forcing many hospitals to use more time-consuming ways to administer drugs and to halting elective procedures and clinical trials.