Health Department Recruits Volunteers for Local Medical Reserve Corp

Disaster can strike at any time, in any location, and no one is exempt.  In the event of a natural or man-made disaster that affects Garrett County, including a disease outbreak such as pandemic influenza or an anthrax attack, the health department would have a role in protecting citizens.

And volunteers may be needed to supplement those health department efforts.

The Garrett County Health Department is recruiting volunteers into Maryland Responds Medical Reserves Corp– both health care professionals and community members- who would be willing to respond to support ongoing public health efforts.

Cindy Mankamyer, R.N., local Maryland Responds Administrator says, “We need a ready group of people who are willing to step up and lend their time and skills should Garrett County have a mass disaster situation. So, if you are retired, need a new “hobby” or just desire to help people in a calamity, please join us!”

Maryland Responds, the Medical Reserve Corps for the state of Maryland, is administered by the Maryland Department of Health’s Office of Preparedness and Response.  The statewide program has over 3,000 registered volunteers, including 31 local volunteers in Garrett County, which includes medical professionals, clergy, teachers, counselors, security specialists, and construction managers, among others.  Some of the roles volunteers may fill are administering vaccines, distributing medications, offering patient education, staffing telephone hotlines, guiding persons through mass clinics, directing traffic, monitoring safety, etc.

Membership is free and open to anyone 18 years of age or older.  New volunteers must complete the Maryland Responds Volunteer Orientation Training which is available online.  Volunteers may be asked to assist in the event of an emergency, participate in annual exercises, trainings, and drills, and support public health outreach projects.

For more information, visit http://mdr.dhmh.maryland.gov or call Cindy Mankamyer at 301 334-7691.  To register for the program, visit https://mdresponds.health.maryland.gov​

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department