Special-needs registry enrolls 10,000th member

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Special Needs Emergency Registry reached 10,000 enrollees, the R.I. Department of Health announced recently.
The registry allows for the voluntary enrollment of Rhode Islanders with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other health care needs who may require special assistance during emergencies. Local emergency responders are able to access the information of those who have self-identified as needing assistance in an emergency.
“We saw a large number of people enroll in the registry prior to and during Tropical Storm Irene,” said Dr. Michael Fine, director of the R.I. Department of Health. “Storms are not the only reason people lose power. We want to continue the trend of being prepared. It allows first responders to have an overall view of what might be needed in their community.”
The registry “won’t get your power back on,” said Edward Johnson, acting executive director of R.I. Emergency Management Agency. “Instead, it helps first responders determine what medical equipment or medications people will need to bring to a shelter, and how to communicate with them. It also helps them determine whether a person can be moved to a shelter or will need the care only available in a hospital setting.”
For more information or to enroll in the registry, visit www.health.ri.gov/emregistry. &#8226