Habersham County E-911 launches Logan’s List

(Hadley Cottingham/Now Habersham)

In 2021, a severely autistic West Georgia teen inspired lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at protecting some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. The legislation called “Logan’s Law” created a voluntary database of special needs residents that first responders can access when responding to emergency calls.

Governor Brian Kemp signed the bill into law in May 2021. This week, Habersham County E-911 officially added Logan’s List to its database.

Habersham partnered with the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority (GECA) to launch this new feature. It will allow 911 operators to alert law enforcement and other first responders when there are individuals in the home with special needs that could impede their ability to communicate with them. The list includes those with physical, mental, or neurological conditions.

“In an emergency, safety is always a primary concern,” says Habersham County E-911 Director Lynn Smith. “We are encouraging all Habersham County residents to register your family member who may have a special need into our database by filling out the Special Concerns Information Sheet and returning it to the 911 center.”

According to Smith, the use of this service will assist law, fire, and EMS departments to “respond more compassionately once dispatched.” It will also:

  • Identify any triggers that may be overwhelming to an individual;
  • Assist first responders in knowing who or what to look for;
  • Promote cost efficiency by providing the most appropriate response;
  • Reduce the burden on law enforcement, public health, and other safety resources.

To obtain a copy of the Special Concerns Information Sheet or for more information, residents may call Habersham’s non-emergency dispatch line at 706-778-3911 or email the E-911 Records Manager at ealewine@habershamga.com.

You may also download a copy of the form from the Habersham County website or pick up a form in person. For a list of locations where forms are available, click here.

SEE ALSO

Logan’s Law offers an extra layer of protection for those with special needs

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