Emergency Preparedness
Residents with Functional and Medical Needs (formerly referred to as "special medical needs")
Coastal communities have been lucky when it comes to hurricanes but weather experts agree that it's only a matter of time before Georgia gets hit by a major storm. That's why health department officials are encouraging those with functional or medical needs to apply to the Functional and Medical Needs Registry (previously known as the Special Medical Needs Registry). Residents should plan ahead and apply to be on the Registry BEFORE a storm is threatening our area.
How the Functional and Medical Needs Registry Works
All Coastal Health District health departments maintain the Registry which is made up of residents who may require transport and medical assistance during a hurricane evacuation and have no other resources such as family, friends, neighbors, or church members to help them if they need to evacuate. Residents must apply to be on the registry.
Those on the Registry will be evacuated to an American Red Cross shelter (not a hotel) that will likely be in a gymnasium or similar setting. The Registry is truly a last resort, but if a hurricane is threatening our area, it is important local Emergency Management Agency and health department officials know where the most vulnerable residents are located so that evacuation assistance can be provided to them.
Functional needs registrants/clients are defined as those individuals who may need services to maintain their independence in a shelter. This includes children and adults with physical, sensory, mental health, and cognitive and/or intellectual disabilities affecting their ability to function independently without assistance. Others may include women in late stages of pregnancy, elders, and people needing bariatric equipment.
Medical needs registrants/clients are defined as those individuals who require support of trained medical professionals. This includes those individuals who may need assistance with managing unstable, terminal, or contagious conditions that require observation and ongoing treatment.
Click here to see the Chatham Emergency Management Agency/Chatham County Health Department Functional and Medical Needs brochure: Functional and Medical Needs Brochure
How to Apply
For more information contact your local health department, or download the Functional and Medical Needs Registry Form and the Conditions and Release Forms below.
Download the Functional/Medical Needs Registry Form
Functional and Medical Needs Registration Form (Word document)
Functional and Medical Needs Registration Form (PDF document)
Download the Conditions and Release Form
Functional and Medical Needs Release Form 8.12 (Word document)
Functional and Medical Needs Release Form 8.12 (PDF document)
Download a list of items that functional and medical needs clients should bring with them in the event of an evacuation (Word document): Emergency Evacuation Kit for Functional and Medical Needs Patients
Download a list of items that functional and medical needs clients should bring with them in the event of an evacuation (PDF document): Emergency Evacuation Kit for Functional and Medical Needs Patients
Mail the completed documents to the following address in your county of residence:
Bryan County Health Dept.
ATTN: Joanne Burnsed
P. O. Box 9
Pembroke, GA 31321-0009
Effingham County Health Dept.
ATTN: Cindy Grovenstein
P.O. Box 350
Springfield, GA 31329
Camden County Health Dept.
ATTN: Debbie Melton
905 Dilworth St.
St. Marys, GA 31558
Chatham County Health Dept.
ATTN: Cathy Schmid
1395 Eisenhower Drive
Savannah, GA 31406
Glynn County Health Dept.
ATTN: Sharon Smith
2747 4th Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
Liberty County Health Dept.
ATTN: Annie Washington
P.O. Box 231
Hinesville, GA 31310
Long County Health Dept.
ATTN: Kathy Rowell
P.O. Box 279
Ludowici, GA 31316
McIntosh County Health Dept.
ATTN: Paige Lightsey
P.O. Box 231
Townsend, GA 31331
