Membership Requirements:
Membership in the Rappahannock Medical Reserve Corps requires the following:Once the initial orientation and training is completed, volunteers will be able to participate in a variety of opportunities that are offered during the year.
A. Completed and up to date application in VVHS
B. Copy of driver’s license and any professional licenses (if applicable)
C. Approved background check
D. Volunteer orientation and initial training
E. Participation in drills, exercises, trainings, and community events
See the "New Volunteer" page to get started.
Who can volunteer?
There are two types of MRC volunteers:
Health care professionals from all health
occupations to include practicing and non-practicing. These volunteers
include: medical doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners,
registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, EMTs, paramedics,
pharmacists, mental health professionals, respiratory therapists,
massage therapists, physical therapists, dentists, veterinarians and
more.
Support volunteers are just as essential
in our ability to respond to a public health emergency. The role of
support volunteers varies by the type of incident the MRC is responding
to. Support volunteers include: interpreters, administrative support
specialists, clergy members, database managers, health educators,
mortuary professionals, communications professionals, and more.
Community members older than 16, but who have not yet reached their
18th birthday are welcome to volunteer along with their parent or
guardian.
What could MRC Volunteers do?
- Provide an important surge capacity during a large-scale medical emergency.
- Assist with mass immunization or preventive medicine distribution clinics.
- Assist with the management of large communicable disease outbreaks.
- Assist with the distribution of Strategic National Stockpile supplies and equipment.
- Assist with administrative and other essential support functions.
- Educate the community on emergency preparedness and public health as a whole.
- Assist environmental health in preserving water, food, and environmental safety.
- Assist community organizations with volunteer support.
- ...and more!
How do I become a volunteer?
See the "New Volunteer" page for information on how to join the MRC.When do MRC Volunteers respond?
During an emergency, the MRC Coordinator may be contacted by the RAHD Health Director, health
department staff, or members of the community requesting the
help of MRC volunteers. At that point, the MRC Coordinator will notify volunteers through VVHS with directions on how to respond. Volunteers could be called upon during emergencies such as a biological attack, flu epidemic, flood, hurricane, tornado, chemical spill or explosion, or any event that overwhelms the public health system.
Volunteers respond to non-emergency events as well. Throughout the year, volunteers may be requested for first-aid tents, public health outreach, and community health initiatives.
What area does the Rappahannock MRC unit cover?
Our unit covers the City of Fredericksburg, and Spotsylvania, Stafford, King George and Caroline Counties.
What training is needed?
Training is the gateway to serving as a Rappahannock Medical Reserve Corps volunteer.
In order to fulfill the mission of the MRC, it is important that our volunteers become educated
about emergency preparedness and response. The MRC Core Competencies are a standardized set of basic knowledge and skill elements that all Rappahannock Medical Reserve
Corps members should have. The training courses that have been identified as necessary to achieve these core competencies can be found under the Training tab.
Is there liability coverage for MRC volunteers?
Yes. HB 2520 provides liability coverage to MRC volunteers and provides
the same coverage as Virginia state employees. There is additional
state and federal legislation that provides protection for volunteers.
At this time volunteers do not have Worker’s Compensation coverage.
Does Rappahannock MRC keep track of my volunteer hours?
Yes. The Rappahannock MRC depends on volunteer hours to help
fulfill its mission. The RMRC thrives on the active
involvement of its volunteers in training, community
outreach events, and emergency preparedness and response exercises. These hours are maintained in the VVHS database, and are reported to the State MRC, National MRC, and
our community on a routine basis.
Who will have access to my personal information?
Your local MRC Coordinator, District Emergency Coordinator, and the State Volunteer Coordinator have
access to this information for the purpose of your volunteer role. Your
personal information will only be provided to your local MRC unit or
health district.
How will I be contacted in an emergency?
You will be notified by your MRC Coordinator or emergency coordinator via email or phone, using the information you provided within your initial
application. Please be sure to keep your VVHS profile up-to-date at all times.
