Rhode Islanders with Special Healthcare Needs Urged to Enroll in Registry in Advance Of

RHODE ISLANDERS WITH SPECIAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS URGED TO ENROLL IN REGISTRY IN ADVANCE OF HURRICANES

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) urges those with special healthcare needs to enroll in the Special Needs Emergency Registry in advance of Hurricane Irene. Enrolling in the Registry does not guarantee assistance, but it does allow local and state emergency officials to plan for, respond to, and care for Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other special healthcare needs in an emergency such as Hurricane Irene. HEALTH is working with municipalities to provide as close to real time information as possible in advance of the hurricane.
People with life-sustaining equipment that need electricity should contact their electricity provider and inform them of specific needs, if they haven't already done so.
Should someone with life-sustaining medical equipment need to go to a shelter, emergency medical assessment teams will be available to create a care plan for that individual. Those planning to go to a shelter should bring at least a three (3) day supply of medications.

WHO SHOULD ENROLL

Any Rhode Islander, regardless of age, who has a chronic condition, disability, special healthcare need, or may require additional assistance during a time of emergency. These include:
* Those on home oxygen, a respirator, ventilator, dialysis, pacemaker, or are insulin dependent;
* Those with mobility issues: use a wheelchair, walker, or cane;
* Those that are visually impaired, blind, hard of hearing, or Deaf;
* Those developmental or mental health disabilities; or
* Use assistive animals or a prosthesis.
HOW TO ENROLL

Visit www.health.ri.gov/emregistry to complete an enrollment online, where the information is added into the registry immediately. A printable form is available on the website and can be returned by mail.
If an individual cannot complete the enrollment form themselves, a family member or caregiver can enroll the individual on their behalf. Strict confidentiality is maintained at all times and only emergency management and response agencies have access to the information in the Registry.