Purpose:
- To strengthen communities by establishing and maintaining a community based volunteer system.
- To utilize the expertise of various healthcare and support personnel who can assist the existing public health infrastructure during a disaster or health emergency.
- To provide a reserve capacity at the community level to respond to local health needs and priorities.
- To supplement emergency services when a disaster of high magnitude occurs.
Volunteers Needed:
A strong medical reserve corps unit is an essential piece to helping the county respond to emergencies. Through the MRC, people with medical and non-medical backgrounds have the opportunity to partner with first responders in the protection of Woodford County residents during public health emergencies and disasters such as influence epidemics, infectious disease outbreaks, acts of terrorism, or tornadoes.
Examples of who can volunteer with the MRC include:
- Practicing, retired or otherwise employed medical and public health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, EMTs, dentists, and veterinarians.
- Community members without medical training such as interpreters, clergy, office support staff, legal advisors, radio operators, and counselors.
- Anyone who is eager and willing to help.
Volunteering to become an MRC member requires minimal time commitment outside of emergencies. Members of the Woodford County MRC are eligible for unique training opportunities, including COBRA, first aid, Health Department operations, emergency kit building and other emergency preparedness training.
To become an MRC member, submit an
application to the Woodford County Health Department, 1831 S. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530.
