You’ve heard a lot about preparedness here, thanks to the amazing group of West Seattle volunteers working on projects like West Seattle Be Prepared, but here’s another way to get involved: West Seattle resident Dave Nichols e-mailed with a call for volunteers to join the Public Health Reserve Corps for Seattle & King County. He explains, “This group of volunteers augments Public Health during a medical emergency or disaster.” And you don’t have to be a health-care professional. Read on to see what they’re looking for and how you can help with this “just in case they’re ever needed” team:

Call for Volunteers to Join the Public Health Reserve Corps serving Seattle & King County

The Public Health Reserve Corps (PHRC) is seeking individuals who are interested in joining our Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). A Medical Reserve Corps is made up of volunteers who assist in preparing for and responding to public health emergencies and disasters. The MRC may also be called upon to help during the year with routine events (e.g. Annual Flu Clinic, Health Fair, or Public Health Outreach).

We are seeking the following volunteers:

1. Medical, Public, and Mental Health Professionals: doctors, physician’s assistants, nurses, pharmacists, medical technicians, counselors, social workers, psychologists, veterinarians, epidemiologists, EMT’s, etc.

2. Volunteer Coordinators: People who are interested in organizing meetings and developing and maintaining the Medical Reserve volunteers.

3. Clerical Support: greeters, registrars, general administrative help

4. Security: traffic flow, parking, etc.

5. Transportation: to help people get to our dispensing sites.

6. Logistics Support: People to help with set up and movement of our medical equipment

Benefits of volunteering with the Public Health Reserve Corps:
1. Serve your family, friends, neighbors and loved ones in your town and beyond

2. Be part of a team trained to provide medical, public, and mental health support during an emergency

3. Network with other medical and public health professionals, as part of a critically important and specialized team

4. Participate in initiatives that enhance and strengthen public health such as vaccination and health education programs

5. Free training and continuing education credits – learn about:
o Personal safety in emergency situations
o Sheltering
o Emergency management
o Incident Command System
o Become familiar with existing local emergency plans, procedures, and facilities

To learn more or join go to: www.kingcounty.gov/health/phrc