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TextMedical Needs Registry Materials Available in 8 Languages
March 30, 2009
OPA 065/09
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Fairfax County’s Medical Needs Registry Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) is now available in eight languages – English, Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese and Urdu. The FAQs provide an overview of the program and explain eligibility requirements.
“The Medical Needs Registry is a valuable resource for Fairfax County residents and we want to reach as many people as possible,” said John Hudson, special needs planner with the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management.
The Fairfax County Medical Needs Registry will be used during any emergency requiring evacuation, such as flooding, hurricanes, hazardous material spills and gas leaks. It contains the names and addresses of individuals with medical needs who have a high-risk health condition, temporary or chronic, and who cannot manage for themselves in a shelter or evacuation center.
“People who require assistance in performing the activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and feeding, and/or those who will require care for and monitoring of a health condition should sign up with the registry,” added Hudson. “The information will help emergency planners better prepare the county’s response and recovery efforts.”
Information within the registry will be used by first responders, shelter managers and transportation professionals to assist people with medical needs during an emergency. Registry information also will be used to identify and coordinate the location of medical needs shelters and transportation routes. Hudson added that the Medical Needs Registry is voluntary and that all information collected is confidential and will be stored on secure Fairfax County servers.
Individuals with medical needs and their caregivers can apply using the online form or by completing and mailing in a Medical Needs Registry form. If an applicant is eligible, their information will be entered into the registry’s database.
Caregivers may also register individuals and both caregivers and the families of people with medical needs will be provided transportation and shelter during an emergency should the county open a medical shelter.
Register or download any of the Medical Needs Registry FAQs online. Registration forms also can be downloaded and mailed in. Residents also may request registration materials and more information by phone or mail: call 703-324-9000; TTY 703-324-9001, or write to the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management, 4890 Alliance Drive, Suite 2200, Fairfax, VA 22030 for more information.
During a major crisis or emergency, Fairfax County uses the
award-winning Community Emergency Alert Network (CEAN) to deliver
important emergency alerts, notifications and updates. Fairfax County
Government offers the Medical Needs Registry and the CEAN as a public
service. The registry and CEAN will be used in conjunction with other
public notification methods such as Fairfax County Government Channel 16,
the Fairfax County Web site, the Fairfax County Emergency Information
Line (703-817-7771, TTY 711) and area media to keep residents informed
during emergencies.
NOTE TO MEDIA: John Hudson is available for interviews. Call 571-350-1000, TTY 711, to schedule an appointment.
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Contact: Merni Fitzgerald, Director, Office of Public Affairs
703-324-3189, TTY 711, Media Pager: 703-324-NEWS (6397)
publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov
To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-324-3187, TTY 711
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