And other US manufacturers, B Braun Medical and ICU Medical, are ramping up production to help fill the gaps. But Baxter's North Cove facility is a critical part of the supply chain; it typically produces about 60% of the IV fluids for hospitals across the country. The US Department of Health and Human Services has now invoked the Defense Production Act to help Baxter obtain materials to clean and rebuild. Under the authorities of the law, Baxter will have priority access to a particular material needed to continue the remediation process and prepare for the restart of production. HHS's Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response is working with Baxter to identify other challenges and will pursue other opportunities to make use of the Defense Production Act, an agency spokesperson said. "Ensuring people have medical supplies they need is a top priority of the Administration.