In a public health emergency, every helping hand can make a difference in reducing illness and saving lives. To kick off National Preparedness Month, the Public Health Reserve Corps (PHRC) in King County is launching a new campaign to recruit volunteers who can serve in a public health emergency.
"Whether you're a doctor, nurse, pharmacist or anyone who wants to help others in times of crisis, signing up for the Public Health Reserve Corps is an important way to serve," said Dr. David Fleming, director and health officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Volunteers are registered and trained ahead of time so they're prepared when disasters strike."
Anyone who is 18 years old or older, works well in stressful situations, has good customer service skills, and works well in a team is eligible to serve. To learn more about and sign up for the corps, visit www.kingcounty.gov/health.
Volunteers in the Public Health Reserve Corps will be trained to support emergency response activities including setting up, working, and running a temporary field hospital, emergency shelter, or medication center; dispensing medications and administering vaccinations; providing information and support to the community and conducting health screenings.
Stephanie Broughton, a corps registered nurse said, "Unpredictable acts of man or nature can quickly overwhelm our health care system. But I feel better knowing that I'm trained and prepared to respond when my skills are needed to help others in crisis."
A wide range of health and health professional organizations are supporting the corps, including the Washington State Pharmacy Association, the Washington State Nurses Association, the King County Medical Society and the University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine.
The corps is designed to complement emergency preparedness activities by local health organizations throughout the region.
For emergencies that have broad impacts across the health care system and other sectors, the corps officials say they expect that a person's first responsibility will be to his or her employer.
