“A volunteer is a person who believes that people can make a difference – and is willing to prove it.” -Anonymous

Why volunteer?  Because MRC volunteers:

• Can use their knowledge and skills to enhance and preserve public health.
• Will obtain and practice emergency skills through training provided by the MRC
   unit.
• Learn about disaster medicine and mental health.
• Receive preventive treatment at the onset of an event.

Find the answers to these questions:
Who can volunteer?
What could MRC volunteers do?
How do I become a volunteer?
When do MRC volunteers respond?
What area does the PENINSULA MRC unit cover?
What training is needed?
Is there liability coverage for MRC volunteers?

Who can volunteer?
There are two types of MRC volunteers:

Medical and health care professionals from all health occupations to include practicing and non-practicing.  These volunteers include: MD, PA, RN, LPN, EMT, Paramedic, Nurses Aide, Pharmacist, Mental Heath Professionals, Respiratory Therapists, Massage Therapists, Physical Therapists, and others.

Support volunteers do not perform medical care, but are essential to public health and the emergency health care response.  All types of volunteers could be used depending on the type of event the MRC is responding to.  Support volunteers include: Administrative Support, Clergy, Database Manager, Health Educator, Greeter, Veterinarian, Vet Tech, Vet Assistant, Mortuary Professionals, Communications, and others.

Community members who are ages 16 years and older are welcome to volunteer.

What could MRC Volunteers do?

• Provide immediate emergency medical services
• Offer medical support at emergency shelters
• Staff dispensing sites for mass dosing of antibiotics and vaccinations
• Assist community members with psychological triage and post crisis disaster counseling
• Educate the community about pressing public health care issues and emergency preparedness
• Assist environmental health efforts in preserving water, food and human safety
• Assist veterinary disaster response efforts

How do I become a volunteer?
Submit a preliminary application online or via mail or fax.  Once accepted you will receive a welcome letter and you can enroll in training.

When do MRC Volunteers respond?
Local governments, public health care departments, and hospitals would implement an Emergency Operating Plan.  A Public Health or Citizen Corps representative will decide when and where the MRC volunteers are needed.  The MRC Coordinator is then contacted and is responsible for notifying the MRC volunteers.
MRC could be called if we have an anthrax attack, flu epidemic, flood, hurricane, tornado, chemical spill or explosion, or any event that overwhelms the public health services.

What areas does the PENINSULA MRC unit cover?
The unit covers the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg & the counties of James City, York, Essex, King& Queen, Lancaster, Middlesex, Richmond, Gloucester, King William, Mathews, Northumberland, and Westmoreland.

What training is needed?
Volunteers need to complete 10 hours of training a year in addition to the volunteer activities they choose to participate in. 

First-year volunteer training includes: MRC Orientation, MRC Terrorism, MRC Disaster, IS 700 NIMS, Terrorism Safety Awareness Orientation for Public Health, Be Prepared and Aware: Family Disaster Planning. 

Second-year volunteer training is specific to the roles the volunteer chooses to volunteer for.  Teams will include Emergency Shelter Staff, Point of Dispensing Site Leaders, Educators, and other specialties.  As we determine the best fit for you in the MRC program you can take the applicable training.

All volunteers need to participate in yearly emergency drills conducted by the Health Districts.  Multiple drills within Hampton Roads are conducted in the summer and early fall.  CPR & First-Aid certification is recommended.  Several trainings can be completed online.

Is there liability coverage for MRC volunteers?
HB 2520 provides liability coverage to MRC volunteers and provides the same coverage as Virginia state employees.  There are additional state and federal legislation that provides protection for volunteers.  At this time volunteers do not have Worker’s Compensation coverage.