Last Updated: December 3, 2024
Time is one of the most valuable resources we have. This Giving Tuesday, choose to spend your time where you will have the most impact in the lives of others—volunteer with the Virginia Medical Reserve Corps (VA MRC)!
The VA MRC is a statewide network of volunteers that support ongoing public health initiatives. They help during disasters and emergencies throughout Virginia.
Virginia MRC volunteers come from diverse backgrounds and span a wide range of ages. No medical knowledge or experience is required to become a volunteer. Participating in this program is a great way to:
- explore a career in public health,
- gain hands-on experience,
- obtain service hours,
- build your resume, or
- simply help make a difference in your community.
As a member of the Virginia MRC, you’ll receive free lifesaving training and learn about public health and emergency preparedness. You’ll attend exciting community events and, best of all, make new friends.
A few of the ways the Virginia MRC volunteers have supported public health and served their communities are:
- Supporting community vaccination events for seasonal flu, COVID, and back-to-school vaccines.
- Responding to emergencies, such as Hurricane Helene, by staffing emergency shelters, providing Tetanus and hepatitis A vaccines at mobile vaccination clinics, and conducting wellness checks for vulnerable individuals.
- Addressing the opioid addiction crisis by teaching naloxone dispensing classes and staffing Drug Take Back events.
- Teaching CPR, AED, and bleeding control skills to community members.
- Staffing first aid tents at local marathons, 10K races, and other community events.
- Providing administrative assistance to their local health departments.
- Staffing call centers to answer inbound calls, or to make outbound calls as needed.
The opportunities are endless! Some of the newest opportunities include our Behavioral Health Response Team, Radiological Health Response Team, or the MRC Amateur Radio Team.
Don’t hesitate to make an impact. Start your volunteer application today! Need more information? Learn more about the VA MRC or review our FAQs.