Vermont Medical Reserve Corps

I helped out in the Emergency Cold Weather Shelter last week. It wasn't hard to do, filled a need, and felt good. Maybe you would enjoy it, too!

- Ben Littenberg
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Vermont Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is looking for volunteers. MRCs are community-based organizations that help support the health department, local hospitals, and their local communities. They serve communities by assisting in times of need in various capacities, as well as promoting health education outreach, engaging in disease prevention activities, preparedness education, and taking part in local community events.

MRCs are made up of medical and non-medical volunteers, serving up to their licensed skill level based on incident need.  Non-medical volunteers are just as vital to MRC units. They assist in coordination, administrative, and logistical support.  Members can volunteer as much time as they like on health and wellness activities and/or just serve in times of need. 

MRC volunteers can be a vital resource in times of need, being deployed to overwhelmed medical facilities (medical surge) or assisting the state in mass prophylaxis (e.g. critical interventions antibiotics, vaccinations, or etc. to prevent the development of disease to those exposed or potentially exposed to health threats).  Becoming an affiliated registered volunteer before an incident allows you to be pre-credentialed and verified, so you can be called to help as soon as possible.

Recently, Vermont MRC volunteers helped support the blood drawing clinics for Bennington PFOA water contamination, support the cold weather shelters in Burlington and Rutland, take part in state emergency exercises, assisted with Vermont’s WIC program, and hold first aid stations at each year’s St. Albans Maple Fest and Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run. 

Additionally, members are offered various training and educational opportunities, such as portable hospital (massive tent structure) set-up training, psychological first aid training, and special speaker presentations.

To learn more about Vermont MRCs and sign-up, visit at OnCallforVT.org.   Watch this video to learn about Vermont MRCs and one member's reasons for volunteering. 

Thank you,

Derek Pitts

Emergency Preparedness Coordinator

(MRC State Coordinator)

Vermont Department of Health

(802)651-1614 (DESK)

(802)488-0288 (CELL)

Email: derek.pitts@vermont.gov