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DHHS, Alan Levine, Secretary
Medical Special Needs Shelters to Open
Telephone lines activated for triage
The triage phone lines are for individuals to call BEFORE attempting to access these shelters, to ensure the
individual is placed appropriately based upon their needs. The lines activated at 8 a.m. Friday morning. Health officials note that if individuals
have health problems that require medical expertise and must evacuate, it is best for them to go with family members or caretakers
north to areas that are out of harm’s way. Shelters in Baton Rouge, Alexandria, Monroe, Shreveport and Hammond are on
standby for this storm. Those calling the triage lines will be screened by nurses to determine the level of care needed. If
they need the services provided by the shelter, they will be sheltered. If their condition is too critical, they will be referred
to a hospital for sheltering, or admission. If their condition is not severe enough for Medical Special Needs Sheltering,
they will be referred to a general shelter. The telephone numbers to call are:
New Orleans 1-866-280-2068
Baton Rouge 1-800-349-1372
Houma-Thibodaux 1-800-228-9409
Lafayette 1-800-901-3210
Lake Charles 1-866-280-2711
Alexandria 1-800-841-5778
Shreveport 1-800-841-5776
Monroe 1-866-280-7287
Mandeville 1-866-280-7724
Contact: Bureau of Media & Communications; 225-342-1532
Medical Special Needs Shelters
Medical Special Needs Shelters are not designed for the general public or for nursing home patients. Nursing
homes in Louisiana are required to have emergency evacuation plans in place that ensure the health and safety of their residents.
In most instances, these plans allow for homes in affected areas to transport their patients to nursing homes in areas safe
from the storm. Medical Special Needs Shelters will provide medical support services only. Because of limited staffing, those
going to a Medical Special Needs Shelter must have a caretaker to assist with ongoing support, and they should bring all necessary
supplies, sheets, blankets, pillows, durable medical equipment, a five day supply of all medications and their driver’s
license or another form of identification.
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