News

Johnson County Medical Reserve Corps seeks volunteers

Published on November 28, 2018

The Johnson County Medical Reserve Corps is recruiting!

The Johnson County Medical Reserve Corps (commonly referred to as the MRC) is part of a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. Johnson County’s MRC has been established since 2010 and has strived to provide an engaging volunteer experience while providing training and the necessary skills for volunteers to assist during a disaster or public health emergency. The mission of the Johnson County MRC is to supplement the public health and medical workforce during disaster. As disasters and events unfold and resources are scarce, the community recognizes the need and value for trained and vetted volunteers.

Johnson County Public Health is the host site and is looking for medical and non-medical personnel to assist with its primary mission of operating mass dispensing clinics as well as other public health-focused operations such as: community health assessments, community event support, education and outreach, sheltering operations, disaster exercises, and much more. MRC units engage and assist their community and its partners in a variety of ways.

Community Collaboration

“The MRC is partnering with Dr. Sato Ashida at the University of Iowa College of Public Health to deliver Disaster PrepWise to older adults in the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. Disaster PrepWise is an online program designed to help older adults–one of the most vulnerable populations in our community–create personal disaster preparedness plans. Trained MRC volunteers will assist older adults by visiting their homes and helping them fill out the online forms. Participating older adults receive personalized disaster plans that they can share with their family, friends, and neighbors. The purpose of the intervention is to reduce disparities in emergency preparedness and outcomes faced by older adults.” – Lena Thompson, MPH, Graduate Research Assistant

What Does Being a Member Involve?

We understand that everyone is busy and know that schedules may not always permit us to participate in everything. However, we consider membership to be ‘fluid’ and we ask that interested volunteers join and give their time as they can. Emergency preparedness is a journey, not a destination, so keeping that in mind, the trainings and exercises continuously occur.

There will be regularly scheduled meetings and notices sent out about trainings, opportunities to engage, and opportunities to participate in exercises.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Providing your time and skills to support your community
  • Networking with volunteers and public health and medical professionals
  • Exposure to Emergency Preparedness Training
  • Enhance your resume

Application may be found here: https://www.johnson-county.com/dept_health.aspx?id=24858

For more information, please contact:

Sam Jarvis, MS, CERC
Emergency Preparedness Planner
Johnson County Public Health
855 South Dubuque Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: 319-356-6040
Direct Line:  319-688-5884
sjarvis@co.johnson.ia.us