Cumberland Valley District Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The Cumberland Valley District Health Department (CVDHD) Medical Reserve Corp located in Southeastern Kentucky, includes the counties of Bell, Clay, Harlan, Jackson & Rockcastle. The CVDHD MRC coordinates the skills of practicing and retired physicians, nurses, and other citizens interested in health issues, who are eager to volunteer to address their community's ongoing public health needs and to help during large-scale situations. In the event of a public health emergency Medical Reserve Corps volunteers might be asked to help administer vaccinations, distribute urgently needed medications, man a phone bank using pre-scripted responses to caller’s questions, assist with crowd control, pass out forms, or other duties.The mission of the Cumberland Valley District Medical Reserve Corps is to provide support medically and non-medically during emergencies, disasters, and public health practice initiatives.
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
MRC Units are community- based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers –medical professionals and others –who want to donate their time and expertise to promote healthy living throughout the year and to prepare for and respond to emergencies. MRC volunteers supplement existing local emergency and public health resources.
What is K HELPS?
K HELPS is a state-based system to register medical and non-medical professionals interested in volunteering to offer assistance during public health emergencies or disasters.
How will MRC and K HELPS work together?
K HELPS is designed to complement the existing local Medical Reserve Corps. Under the new system, K HELPS and local MRC Units work together closely. Volunteers will register with K HELPS online and will automatically be assigned to the MRC Unit associated with the volunteer’s geographic area.
What will be required of me?
Volunteers must complete a minimal amount of training that includes an orientation and a Federal Emergency Management Course (FEMA) course.
How do I sign up for the MRC?
Volunteers can register with K HELPS online at https://khelps.chfs.ky.gov. All information provided will be kept confidential. Volunteer information will only be available to the volunteer and the approving organization. Please feel free to contact Lisa Abner at (606) 864-4764 x. 114; email LisaF.Abner@ky.gov or Lonnie T. Saylor at (606) 573-3219 x. 13; email LonnieT.Saylor@ky.gov for questions.
How do I sign up for the MRC?
Please feel free to contact Lisa Abner at (606) 864-4764 x. 114; email LisaF.Abner@ky.gov or Lonnie T. Saylor at (606) 573-3219 x. 13; email LonnieT.Saylor@ky.gov for questions.
