One of the things I’ve had my eye on for the last couple of years is pharmaceutical shortages. I have read many reports, both local and national, about shortages on certain medicines. We have actually been affected by it a few times, with delayed refills or only getting a partial refill and having to go back after a delivery for the rest.
I see two dangers here; not having the medication for people who require them for quality of life or for sustaining life itself. The other danger happens when people who are mentally ill don’t get the medications they need. I have, through the years, seen many stories of people who refused to take their medications committing violent crimes that they wouldn’t have committed if they had been on their meds.
The FDA has a webpage called the Current Drug Shortages Index, which lists voluntarily reported shortages. Pharmaceutical companies can’t require companies to inform them of shortages or any other information about the shortage, so that list is only a list of what the FDA knows about.
If you don’t have a good supply of your medication, read the article I wrote called Building a Stockpile of Medicine for some tips on stocking up.
As for people with mental illness not having the meds they require to be productive members of society, let’s pray they don’t commit any crimes they normally wouldn’t. Practicing your Second Amendment right is recommended as well.
