Office of Special Healthcare Needs

Emergency Preparedness Program

“The Special Needs Emergency Registry was designed specifically for adults and children who would require special assistance during an emergency, such as a blizzard, hurricane, or pandemic flu. We saw with hurricane Katrina that people with special healthcare needs and language barriers had trouble accessing care. By identifying people with special healthcare needs now, we will be better able to get them appropriate resources more quickly in an emergency.” 

David Gifford, MD, MPH, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health, Dec 19, 2007

The Office of Special Healthcare Needs Emergency Preparedness Program works to ensure people with disabilities, chronic conditions, and other healthcare needs are included in emergency preparedness planning, response and recovery efforts. The Department of Health has partnered with the emergency management and first responder community to establish a centralized process for sharing and coordinating information and to provide education and awareness to ensure people with disabilities, chronic conditions and other healthcare needs take an active role in preparing for emergencies.

Special Needs Emergency Registry  
Personal Preparedness Resources     
Resources for Emergency Planners and Providers  
Other Resources  

HEALTH Information Line
1-800-942-7434