Volunteers Building Strong, Healthy, and Prepared Communities
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers. The MRC is a partner program with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. Citizen Corps, along with AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps promote volunteerism and service nationwide.
Locally, the Saratoga County MRC supports Public Safety and assists with public outreach & education to build the MRC. It also encourages volunteerism within the county. It is composed of both medical and non-medical volunteers because all levels of skills are needed to assist the community in the event of a major disaster.
In a disaster or major emergency, volunteers would be needed for activities that support disaster relief groups, community safety organizations, emergency medical services and community public health efforts; the MRC volunteer base would called upon!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register as a volunteer?
Anyone who works or lives in Saratoga County interested in making our community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
Do I need any special skills to volunteer?
No. Both medically-trained and non-medical volunteers are needed.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Volunteers can chose roles that match their skills, interests and availability. Roles might include:
Assistance with the distribution of medicines and supplies at Points of Dispensing Sites (PODS)
Translation Services
Mass Casualty and Trauma Care
Mental Health Support
Administrative and Support Roles
Community Safety and Preparedness Education
Assistance with Community Public Health Activities
Many Other Important Jobs
What are the time requirements?
There is no set time commitment to be a MRC volunteer. Volunteers serve at their level of interest, time and training.
What kind of training will I receive?
Volunteers receive an initial 1.5 hour orientation which includes an overview of MRC roles, responsibilities, assignments, activation, and reporting procedures. Additional trainings are offered as classroom and online sessions. You will also receive Just-In-Time Training if your services are called into action.
Become a Saratoga County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer
MRC volunteers serve a vital role by assisting their local health department and community with ongoing public health initiatives.
Saratoga County Public Health Services activities may include:
First 72 Hours Presentation
Saratoga County Fair staffing
Health Clinic staffing
Point of Dispensing site usage/maintenance/staffing
Shelter Committees
Interested in volunteering? Call our Volunteer Coordinator Michaelah Townley at (518) 584-7460 ext. 8372 or click here to register as a MRC volunteer.
Other Links of Interest
The Medical Reserve Corps National Site
Ready.gov from the US Department of Homeland Security
US Department of Homeland Security
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO)
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Training Site
Center of Public Health Preparedness, University at Albany, School of Public Health
New York State Department of Health
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