Last Updated: April 23, 2025
Volunteer work involves donating one’s time, skills, and resources. This helps a cause, organization or community in need. Virginia’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) offers a perfect chance for anyone looking to help others or who may be searching for a way to give back to their community.
Established in 2002, the MRC is a national network of volunteers. It is locally organized to improve the health and safety of its communities. Throughout the Commonwealth, there are 25 local MRC units with more than 22,000 volunteers statewide. These units, consisting of medical and non-medical community members, support ongoing public health initiatives. One recent example is when MRC volunteers were called upon to assist those facing the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene. The help provided by MRC volunteers was much needed throughout Southwest Virginia.
MRC volunteers work diligently to improve and protect their community’s public health. These efforts include:
- Public health outreach
- Training efforts
- Vaccination clinics
- Health screenings
- Emergency response
- And more
While there is only one week each year formally dedicated to acknowledging the vast contributions of volunteers, the unwavering support of MRC volunteers is noticed year-round. This year, National Volunteer Week will be held April 20-26.
During this special time, we celebrate and commend the MRC volunteers for their invaluable service to Virginia. Whether providing disease preventative measures or responding to health emergencies that cripple many communities each year, we give thanks to all generously giving their time and resources in so many ways. Their efforts truly make a difference in the lives of others.
You, too, can give back by becoming a Virginia Medical Reserve Corps volunteer. Take the first step by registering through the Virginia Volunteer Health System (VVHS).