Program Overview
Medical Reserve Corps of Eastern Washington consists of volunteers called upon to assist in responding to local, regional, or national emergencies or disasters.
Volunteers are given the opportunity to engage in local health-related
programs, such as vaccination clinics, suicide prevention programs, personal
& family preparedness education, and community events like Bloomsday, that
help build community resilience and volunteer skills.
Volunteers can come from many fields, including:
- Physicians
- Registered nurses
- Veterinarians
- Mental health professionals
- PAs
- Chaplains
- Paramedics & EMTs
- Law enforcement
- Other non-medical volunteers such as administrative support, security, and educators
The program is funded with grant dollars from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response, with
additional project money coming from National Association of City and County
Health Officials. Medical Reserve Corps of Eastern Washington works
with outside agencies like American Red Cross, Greater Spokane Emergency
Management, healthcare facilities, and Emergency Medical Services to carry out its mission.
Education
Volunteers are asked to complete required training, including:
- ICS -100 & IS-700
- Blood Borne Pathogens
- CPR/AED/BBP
Additional training may be available to MRC volunteers, including:
- American Red Cross
- shelter fundamentals
- psychological first aid
- Disaster Mental Health
- Vaccination
- and more...
MRC volunteers may work with community groups to provide training in many areas:
- Question Persuade & Refer (QPR) - three simple steps anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide
- Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
- Hospital Emergency Response Team activities
- Training on the proper use of naloxone to help individuals who are overdosing from opioids
- Many other areas
The best way to help during a disaster is to join a local volunteer organization and complete the required training prior to an emergency.
MRC of EW Volunteer Video
Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Program
Working with other public health staff, healthcare providers and community agencies to respond effectively to health emergencies in and around Spokane County
