OC MRC is a community-based volunteer unit sponsored by the County of Orange Health Care Agency, to engage communities in preparing for emergencies and support public health staffing in response to public health emergencies and health promotion.
Can I join the MRC Team?
The MRC Team is comprised of volunteers from all professions and skill levels. If you are:
Interested in responding to public health emergencies and disasters;
A professional with a current medical, health, or mental health license; in good standing
A retired medical, health, or mental health professional; or
A professional with a Public Health background and/or training
Over 18 years old.
WE NEED YOU!
What will I be doing as a volunteer?
During a large public health emergency or disaster, volunteers are needed to support Orange County Department of Public Health in their response to serve the community. The primary large scale response will be assisting at mass dispensing sites, called Points of Dispensing (POD).
You may be asked to dispense medication, screen clients, distribute information, direct clients through the POD process, provide mental health consultation, or perform support functions. MRC members may also be deployed for other emergencies such as medical sheltering, triage or first aid stations.
Assignments will be determined according to your skills, expertise and the needs of the response.You will never be asked to function in roles outside of your skill set.
As a volunteer, you will also have the opportunity to support public health activities throughout the year.
Can I decide where I want to be assigned?
No. Assignments will be given on a as needed basis and will depend on your skills. We ask that you be flexible.
I would like to sign up, but how secure is my information? Can anybody access my personal records? How is confidentiality maintained?
The information we have is stored in a secured system and will only be accessible to official representatives.
Your contact information will only be used to assist us in contacting you regarding trainings and emergency deployment. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise share your personal information with any third parties.
I don’t have much time, is there a minimum volunteer commitment?
There is no minimum time commitment as a volunteer. If you are activated in an emergency, you will be assigned to a shift.
Depending on the staffing needs and nature of the emergency, the shift may be 8 or 12 hours.
We encourage your involvement in public health activities, trainings, and exercises to prepare as volunteers throughout the year.
Do volunteers receive any compensation?
No, OCMRC volunteers do not receive compensation.
What can you tell me about my liability?
Volunteers assisting public health during an emergency will be sworn in and subscribe to the oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution that declares them to be Disaster Service Workers (DSW) in time of need. DSWs are covered by Workers’ Compensation and cannot be held liable for their actions during a disaster while acting within the scope of their responsibilities. All volunteers get excess accident, liability and auto liability coverage. Medical volunteers receive excess medical malpractice insurance.
Are there any required meetings or trainings?
MRC volunteers will need to complete mandatory on- line trainings. Other trainings are voluntary but highly recommended.
Do volunteers need to be vaccinated?
No prior vaccinations are required. However it is always recommended that you are up to date on all immunizations. In the event of a public health emergency, activated volunteers will receive any necessary preventative medication (if available).
How will I be notified when volunteer services need to be activated?
You will be notified via email or telephone.
Do I notify my employer first prior to volunteering my services?
Yes. The conditions under which an employee will be released to volunteer in an emergency remain between the employer and the employee.
