Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

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. Both individuals with medical training and non-medical volunteers are needed. As a volunteer, you will:

• Receive free orientation training and “on the spot” training if your services are ever needed.
• Choose volunteer opportunities that match your skills, interests and availability.
• Play an important role in making our community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
• Experience the rewards of volunteering by connecting with the community and helping others.

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Volunteer opportunities are available in both emergency and non-emergency situations
• Trauma, home health, & mass casualty care.
• Assistance with the distribution or dispensing of vaccines, antibiotics & other medical supplies.
• Translation services to assist non-English speaking or hearing impaired Citizens.
• Community education.
• Administrative and other support services.
• Other Public Health Initiative Programs involvement and support

What is the Medical Reserve Corps?

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was founded after President George W. Bush’s 2001 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. It 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 are part of the President's USA Freedom Corps, which promotes volunteerism and service nationwide. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses and other health professionals as well as other citizens interested in health issues, who are eager to volunteer to address their community's ongoing public health needs and help their community during large-scale emergency situations. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and non-medical community members who fill key support positions. 

How Can I Volunteer?

To Volunteer for the Schenectady County MRC, click here and register . You must register through the NYS ServNY portal. After you have completed the registration, you will receive notification from the Schenectady County Volunteer Coordinator about whether you have been accepted into the volunteer program and the next steps. If there is any needed additional information or there are questions about your registration, the Schenectady County Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.

ServNY is New York States’ standardized volunteer registration program for disasters, and public health emergencies. Its goal to help local Volunteer Coordinators and the State Volunteer Coordinator manage events and to eliminate issues that arise when mobilizing healthcare and nonhealthcare volunteers during an emergency response. 

Click here for more information on how to register using your HCS account

Click here for more information on how to register using your NY.gov account

FAQs

Who can register as a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteer? 

Anyone who works or lives in Schenectady County interested in making our community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds. Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Do I need any special skills to volunteer? 

No. Both individuals with medical training 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 & supplies at Points of Dispensing Sites (PODS). Translation services

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 orientation which includes an overview of MRC roles, responsibilities and assignment, activation & reporting procedures and incident command system training.  Additional trainings are offered as classroom and online sessions. You will also receive just in time training if your services are ever needed.

I’m ready, how do I get involved? 

Interested in registering as a Schenectady County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer? Register here or call our MRC Coordinator at (518) 386-2824.

• Mass casualty and Trauma Care
• Mental Health Support
• Administrative & Support roles.
• Community safety and preparedness education
• Assistance with Community Public Health activities
• Many other important jobs.

Training

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers may serve a vital role by assisting their local health department and community with ongoing public health initiatives. If you are interested in volunteering please call our MRC Coordinator at (518) 386-2824 for more information.

Online Training Resources

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Community Health Fair Education and Screenings Flu Clinics Rabies Clinics Emergency Preparedness Response Activites

• FEMA independent Study Program: IS-22 Are you ready? An In-Depth Guide to Citizen Preparedness.
• Ready.gov
• Personal Preparedness: New York Consortium for Emergency Preparedness Continuing Education (NYCEPCE) - 1 contact hour in Nursing Continuing Education and 1 hour in Category One Continuing Medical Education Credit.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Public Health Activities & Incident Management 
  • FEMA.NIMS Independent study courses are available online to learn more about appropriate courses for MRC volunteers, please contact Schenectady County Public Health.