In the event of a dangerous storm striking the state this hurricane season, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) is prepared to open Medical Special Needs Shelters, or shelters of last resort for those with special medical needs, who have no other options for care.

Because Medical Special Needs Shelters can only accommodate a limited number of residents, DHH has established specific guidelines for determining who will be admitted to these facilities. These guidelines and other information, including important phone numbers and what to bring when sheltering in a Medical Special Needs facility, are listed below:

Where will the Medical Special Needs Shelters be located?

The locations will be determined based on the projected path of the storm. The primary locations are scheduled to be in Baton Rouge and Alexandria. Other subsequent locations include Shreveport, Monroe and Lafayette.

When will these shelters open?

The State Health Officer makes the decision to open Medical Special Needs Shelters based on information received from the State Office of Emergency Preparedness as communities prepare to evacuate.

Who qualifies for a Medical Special Needs Shelter?

Evacuees with any of the following conditions could possibly qualify for placement in a Medical Special Needs Shelter:

• Physical or mental handicaps that limit their mobility and/or ability to function on their own

• Requirements for special equipment or medication to sustain life

• A chronic, debilitating medical condition that requires intermittent assistance

Individuals will be triaged, or interviewed, about their special medical needs and conditions, in order to determine eligibility for Medical Special Needs Shelters. Those who think they may qualify for Medical Special Needs sheltering will need to call one of the nine toll-free shelter hotline numbers listed below prior to an evacuation in order to be interviewed and find out their eligibility status.

These toll-free shelter hotlines are NOT currently activated, but will be activated immediately before a storm. The shelter hotline numbers will be published or broadcast through local media when they are activated. Those who do not meet eligibility requirements will be referred to general shelters. Acutely ill individuals will be referred to local hospitals.

Medical Special Needs Shelter hotline numbers:

New Orleans: 1-866-280-2068
Baton Rouge: 1-800-349-1372
Thibodaux: 1-800-228-9409
Lafayette: 1-800-901-3210
Lake Charles: 1-866-280-2711
Alexandria: 1-800-841-5778
Shreveport: 1-800-841-5776
Monroe: 1-866-280-7287
Mandeville: 1-866-280-7724

What to bring to a Medical Special Needs Shelter:
The patient and caregiver should bring supplies for a five-day trip. These supplies should include:

• Medications in their prescription bottles and all over-the-counter medications. Ask your pharmacist to print a list of your medications to bring with you

• Written instructions regarding medical care

• Walker, wheelchair, cane or other special supplies and equipment such as a urinal

• Special, non-perishable dietary foods, such as Ensure

• Bedding, air mattress

• Clothes

• Personal hygiene items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, towels, etc.

• Identification, medical insurance, social security cards and emergency contact information

• Drinking water (one gallon per day)

• Extra eyeglasses

• Flashlight and batteries

• Garbage bags

• Style and serial numbers for medical devices (such as pacemakers)

• Food for guide or service dog (if applicable)

All medications and important paperwork should be placed in a water-proof container such as a Ziploc bag or plastic container. Home Health and Hospice patients should bring their folders. Hospice patients need to bring DNR orders.

Due to limited space at the shelters, oxygen patients should make arrangements ahead of time with their suppliers to obtain oxygen concentrators.

One caregiver must stay with the patient within the shelter and only service animals are allowed to accompany the patient and caregiver. Since space is extremely limited and the caregiver will share a space with the patient, other arrangements should be made for other family members and pets.

Submitted by Rob Anderson.

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