Southwest District Health

Volunteers Needed for Southwest Idaho Medical Reserve Corps

Put your life time of education to use! Be part of the solution by taking action now!
By joining the Medical Reserve Corps it means that you are part of the Citizen Corp, a national network of volunteers begun after our 9-11-2001 terrorist disaster. This group assists with emergency planning and response and is dedicated to making sure their families, homes, and communities are safe from terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds.

Medical Reserve Corps units are made of locally based, licensed healthcare and community volunteers who can assist their communities during times of emergency, Influenza epidemics, chemical spills, and acts of terrorism and public health events.

Southwest District health provides public health services to Washington, Adams, Canyon, Emmett, Gem, and Owyhee counties. It takes all of us!

Who can join?

Anyone interested in emergency preparedness and public health may apply. We have a place for both medical professionals, and those without specific training. Training for emergency activities occurs during quarterly meetings and through on line courses. Participation in actual emergency events is by your choice. You may find your training being utilized in any organization active in emergency response.

What would you do?

You can participate in quarterly meetings and multiple types of training activities.
You can participate in area exercises and drills. Some jobs have included role playing, emergency medical technician, nurse, incident observer or evaluator.
You can participate within our community. At the Special Olympics we helped with computerized medical records. At flu clinics we have vaccinated, registered, served as POD managers, security, greeters and more. In the Womens and Childrens clinic we have weighed and measured youngsters. At health fairs and schools we have staffed booths with various public health and emergency preparedness materials.

In 2009 and 2010 we anticipate needing volunteers to educate and help vaccinate the public for the H1N1 Novel Influenza virus and the seasonal flu virus. Other opportunities will occur through “stop smoking campaigns”, health fairs, and emergency exercises.

How do I volunteer?

To register, go to www.volunteeridaho.com. Enter your basic information, set up a user name and password. Applicants will then receive an email with instructions to click on the internet link within that message. Please continue the application and be sure to list an occupation even if it is “other” or lay volunteer. Upon validation of your information you will receive an email welcoming you to the MRC.

We look forward to working with you in the near future as we strive to meet the emergency needs of our communities.

For more information, please contact:
Southwest District Health Office of Public Health Preparedness
920 Main Street Caldwell, Idaho 83607
208) 455-5324

Application for Employment & Volunteer Agreement (Adobe PDF)
Southwest Idaho Medical Reserve Corps Registration Form (Adobe PDF)