Volunteers are needed to help others during and after a disaster happens.
Faith Based Organization Volunteers
The role faith-based organizations (FBO) will play in response to a disaster may be more valuable and effective than that of any government agency. They can be most effective if they are trained in disaster response and can integrate into the formal emergency response network before the disaster occurs. SWNPHD has offered our local FBOs several trainings and has a group organized to assist during a disaster response, but we are always looking for more volunteers to train and serve.
Emergency Systems for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESARVHP)
The US Department of Health & Human Services provides this program that verifies health professionals' identification and credentials so that they can respond more quickly when disaster strikes. Registered volunteers are able to serve at a moment's notice, within their state or across state lines, to provide needed help during an emergency.
Nebraska Medical Reserve Corps Program (MRC)
MRC is a national network of local groups of volunteers committed to improving the health, safety, and resiliency of their communities. The Nebraska Medical Reserve Corps program strengthens communities by helping medical, public health and other volunteers offer their expertise throughout the year as well as during local emergencies and other times of community need. MRC volunteers work in coordination with local emergency response programs and also supplement community public health initiatives, such as outreach, prevention, immunization programs, blood drives, case management, and other efforts.
Community Preparedness Committees
During a public health response, volunteers are going to be critical to carrying out an effective response to protect the health and lives of our friends and neighbors. SWNPHD maintains Community Preparedness Committees in each of the health district counties which is responsible for planning and training to dispense medication to everyone within their county during a public health emergency, among other response activities. SWNPHD welcomes anyone who would like to be a part of this committee. Fill out this volunteer form to get started: