Wasco County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
What is Wasco County Medical Reserve Corps?
Wasco County MRC is part of a nationwide network of locally-based volunteer units that train and prepare community members to help with disaster response when emergency personnel are overwhelmed. MRC members can also volunteer in the community in non-disaster times, if they choose.
Who can join?
Wasco County MRC recruits licensed health professionals from all fields, as well as unlicensed volunteers to act as support staff.
Can your community count on you?
- Wasco County MRC is recruiting retired and active medical professionals from all fields, as well as unlicensed volunteers.
- Members will be trained and prepared to integrate with emergency responders during a disaster.
- You will be a vital part of the health and safety of your community.
- Deployment is always optional and participation in Wasco MRC does not obligate anyone to volunteer in an emergency.
What if my medical license is no longer active?
You can still be a volunteer– during times of emergency, the Oregon State Governor may allow retired medical professionals to practice. Retired professionals are integral to the sustainability of many MRC units.
What does an MRC volunteer do?
- Volunteers supplement existing emergency services when a disaster overwhelms local response capabilities.
- Potential volunteer roles include vaccine administration, patient screening, behavioral health triage, patient education, maintaining medical records, staffing alternate care sites, and much more.
- In non-disaster situations, MRC members may choose to volunteer within the community at events such as vaccination clinics, public awareness campaigns, health fairs, etc…
- Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in county-wide emergency response exercises, local training courses, and other preparedness activities.
Do I have to live or work in Wasco County?
No! Wasco County MRC is intended as a resource for the entire mid-Columbia region. Everyone is encouraged to join!
How do I sign up?
Registration is easy!
- If you have a medical license, register on serv-or.org. Make sure you have your license information handy, and be sure to choose Wasco County MRC as your local MRC unit.
- If you don’t have a medical license, contact Frances Nicholas at 541-506-2602 or francesn@co.wasco.or.us.
Are there requirements to be a volunteer?
To be an active volunteer, you must:
1. Attend a Volunteer Orientation
Contact Frances Nicholas at 541-506-2602 or francesn@co.wasco.or.us to find upcoming dates.
2. Complete two Incident Command System (ICS) courses
These will help prepare you to integrate with emergency responders during a disaster.
1. IS-100.b: Introduction to Incident Command System
2. IS-700.a: National Incident Management System (NIMS), an Introduction
Take these courses online at http://training.fema.gov/is/crslist.asp?page=all or in-classroom through Wasco County MRC.
3. Get as involved as you wish!
You are encouraged to attend Wasco County MRC meetings, trainings, county-wide emergency response exercises, and volunteer activities.
What can I gain from volunteering?
- A chance to make your community safer and more resilient.
- Personal satisfaction from helping others.
- Local training opportunities, some of which include CEUs/CMEs.
- Knowledge to better prepare yourself and loved ones for an emergency.
Want to learn more?
Contact Frances Nicholas at 541-506-2602 or francesn@co.wasco.or.us.
Visit Wasco County's MRC website at http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/detail.asp?id=2464.