MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS

What is the medical reserve corps?

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers who work should-to-shoulder with Public Health staff and help build community resilience during disasters. The MRC network comprises more than 300,000 volunteers in roughly 800 community-based units located throughout the United States and its territories. MRC units organize and utilize local volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and to support ongoing preparedness initiatives. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds who want to improve the health and safety of their communities.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

Anyone age 18 and older can volunteer. There is a need for volunteers with all types of skills and expertise. Individuals with medical licenses such as MDs, RNs, LPNs, EMTs etc. are needed. Individuals that are skilled in: interpretation (languages and hearing impaired), administrative and clerical work, data entry and traffic control are needed.

How will I know if I am needed?

Requests for volunteers will be sent utilizing the contact information that you have provided. The request comes in the form of an “alert” sent to your phone as a call or text, or your email address. In the event you receive an alert, you will be given necessary information regarding the event and the help being requested. Therefore, it is imperative that your contact information is accurate and up to date.

Will I be compensated for my time or other expenses?

Currently, no provisions exist for compensating volunteers for time lost from work, mileage, meal costs, etc. However, in the event of an emergency, such provisions may become available, but they are not defined at this time.

Do I have to have any Special Training?

Your local volunteer coordinator will contact you regarding training opportunities. FREE training to volunteers is provided on a variety of emergency related topics in various ways from web based to classroom style trainings. When you are asked to deploy, just-in-time training will be provided to prepare you with what can be expected, and what you need to know for that deployment.

What is my responsibility to my current employer?

You must make necessary arrangements with your employer to take the time to volunteer. We recognize that your employer may have needs, including needs related to the specific disaster. The conditions under which an employee will be released to volunteer in an emergency remain between the employer and the employee.

Why the Medical Reserve Corp is needed?

The need for the MRC became apparent after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, when medical and public health professionals, eager to volunteer in support of emergency relief activities, found that there was no organized approach to channel their efforts. As a result, the MRC was established to provide a way to recruit, train, and activate medical and public health professionals and other volunteers to respond to community health needs during disasters and other public health emergencies.