Special Medical Needs Sheltering in PhiladelphiaCounty
Melissa Frank
Spring 2011 Capstone
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to recommend policy changes that could help agencies concerned with special medical needs sheltering in Philadelphia County (public or private) better address the needs of this population during an emergency evacuation. In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, community dwelling individuals with special medical needs may require accommodation in specialized shelters that address their particular needs and provide additional supports beyond what might be available at a general population shelter. Special medical needs (SMN), as defined by North Carolina Emergency Management,are physical, emotional/cognitive, and/or medical conditions such that the individual requires help to minimally meet their basic needs. PhiladelphiaCounty has a sizeable population of persons with SMN.In Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania the city, state and non-governmental organizations such as the Red Cross, all play a rolein sheltering populations during an evacuation emergency. Organizations involved in sheltering need to have a plan in place for meeting the medical and social support requirements of individuals living in the community who have SMN. Interviews were conducted with five employees of area agencies that serve a portion of this population who would have a familiarity with what those individuals would need during an evacuation. Common themes relating to gaps between the services currently provided for emergency sheltering and needs as well as potential barriers in providing emergency sheltering services were identified. Most agencies had an emergency plan, but they were generally concerned with sheltering in-place rather than evacuation. Major barriers that were mentioned included transportation, medication, accessibility of shelters and dietary restrictions. Participants also expressed assumptions about the role the city government would play during the emergency. This study recommends that county guidelines for emergency evacuation planning be created to address the assumptions agencies have about what will be available during the evacuation and at general population shelters. Also, more extensive strategies for preparing individuals with SMN and their caregivers are needed.