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1. What is the Clay County Medical Reserve Corps (Clay County MRC)?

The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is a countywide resource for health care professionals and other volunteers. The Medical Reserve Corps is part of the Citizens Corps, a national initiative to mobilize and coordinate volunteers so communities across America can better respond to disasters. The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is coordinated by staff in the Clay County Public Health Department.

2. Why do we need an Medical Reserve Corps?

The majority of our Clay County communities have some volunteer emergency responders. This may not be enough. We need to be prepared for anything. We don’t know what type of disaster/emergency we may be faced with. The more trained volunteers we have the greater our chances for survival. A quote from the U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona: "Prepared communities make stronger communities".

3. Do I have to be a resident of Clay County to join?

The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is currently enrolling only citizens of Clay County. If you are a resident of North Dakota, please contact your local public health agency. If you are a resident of Pope, Stevens / Traverse / Grant, Wilkin, Ottertail, and Douglas counties, please contact your county public health department and ask about the West Central Region Medical Reserve Corps.

4. Can I be a useful volunteer if my license is expired?

Many roles in the Medical Reserve Corps do not require a license. Your training and experience will still be a valuable asset to an emergency response. All Medical Reserve Corps volunteers will learn about the range of positions available during orientation.

5. Who should volunteer?

Clay County’s Medical Reserve Corps is recruiting health care professionals such as:

• Dentists
• EMTs/Paramedics
• Health Professional Students
• Medical assistants and technicians
• Mental Health Professionals (Psychologists, LSWs, Counselors)
• Nurses / Parish Nurses / Advanced Practice Nurses
• Pharmacists
• Physicians
• Respiratory, Occupational or Physical Therapists
• Veterinarians

We also need non-licensed volunteers in the event of a public health emergency whom are willing to work with a variety of people with various skills to better their community.

6. Where do I sign up to be a volunteer?

All healthcare professionals are requested to fill out an application with Minnesota Responds at http://www.health.state.mn.us/minnesotaresponds. MN Responds is the state data base for volunteers. Medical Reserve Corps county coordinators have access to the data base for their area only. This is a secured website. If you do not have access to the internet to complete an application, contact the Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator and an application will be mail you.

7. What is the Minnesota Responds-Health Professional Registry?

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has developed Minnesota Responds!, a volunteer registry of people who are willing to volunteer during a community emergency. Names of the registrants will be made available to the Clay County Medical Reserve Corps during an emergency. Enrollment in the Clay County Medical Reserve Corps ensures that your information will be available to your local health department and that you will be credentialed and trained before being called upon to respond to an emergency.

8. What kind of work would I be volunteering to do?

In the event of an emergency, a wide range of skills and abilities could be needed. The Clay County Medical Reserve Corps is looking for licensed healthcare professionals and non-licensed people who enjoy working with others to make a difference in the health of the public. Some jobs will require people who have computer skills, clerical skills, foreign language skills, data entry skills or handy person skills. Other jobs will require licensed medical professionals such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, nurse practitioners and physician's assistants. The main qualification is the willingness to help. All volunteers will learn about the range of positions available during orientation.

9. Where will I go if I volunteer?

The location of the site will vary depending on the emergency. The purpose is to volunteer for Clay County. Additionally, there could be an opportunity to volunteer in the West Central Region in Minnesota if you choose. Because Medical Reserve Corps is a national organization, you may have opportunities outside of your local area if you so choose.