Medical Shelters, Wilmington Shelters Open

The Delaware Division of Public Health announced that it will open two medical needs shelters on Sunday, October 28, 2012, at noon at William Penn High School, 713 E. Basin Road, New Castle, and Cape Henlopen High School, 1250 Kings Highway, Lewes.

A partnership with the Delaware National Guard, the Medical Needs Shelters provide safe and temporary housing to individuals who require support with their medical needs. These shelters are for people who cannot be accommodated in regular shelters.

Individuals at the shelters can expect sleeping accommodations, food and trained medical staff who can assist with medical needs. Medical shelters cannot take the place of a hospital and are intended for those who have minor medical conditions that are stable and require daily assistance. Examples include assistance with medicine administration, changing wound dressings or helping the oxygen dependent.

Caregivers must accompany the individual to the Medical Needs Shelter. Items to bring include:

• Durable medical equipment and oxygen tanks;
• All medication and supplies;
• Personal items;
• Any special foods or liquids for dietary needs;
• Important documents such as phone numbers and insurance information.

Only service animals are allowed in the shelter. No other pets will be admitted. For further information, visit http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/files/medneedspi.pdf. Emergency contact number is 1-888-295-5156.

Also, the City of Wilmington has announced shelter options:

Residents who do not have shelter plans in place are advised to call the City’s Office of Constituent Services at 302.576.2489 now through 6 p.m. to make arrangements for transportation to a shelter. The City will provide the transportation.

For more information: http://www.ci.wilmington.de.us/news/news.php?newsID=610