KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - 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 Public Health Reserve 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
• Conducting health screenings

Here is what current volunteers say about the program:

“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.”

- Stephanie Broughton, a Public Health Reserve Corps registered nurse.

“It is an honor to serve on the Public Health Reserve Corps, knowing that when the local first responders and emergency clinics are overwhelmed, I am on a team of health care experts that is trained and ready to assist in delivering quality care to our community when they need us most.”

- Jodie Ryan, a Public Health Reserve Corps Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

A wide range of health and health professional organizations are supporting the Public Health Reserve 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 Public Health Reserve 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 Public Health Reserve Corps expects that a person’s first responsibility will be to his or her employer.

The Public Health Reserve Corps is one of several Medical Reserve Corps programs in Washington state, including neighborhood-focused Medical Reserve Corps in Vashon Island, Carnation-Duvall and Fall City-Snoqualmie. For more information on these programs, visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov/state.asp?state=56.

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