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

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a group of locally organized healthcare and non-healthcare volunteers working to strengthen the health and safety of communities. The goal of the MRC is to identify, credential, train, and prepare volunteers before a natural disaster or incident. The MRC believes that prepared communities lead to prepared states, which creates a prepared nation.

2. I’m not a medical professional. Can I still volunteer?

Yes! There is a wide variety of MRC workers. Healthcare professionals are always needed, but non-healthcare professionals can provide valuable help, too. If you are older than 18 and in good health, contact your local MRC unit today.

3. What will I do as an MRC volunteer?

Kansas MRC units participate in a wide range of activities. No two KS MRC units are exactly the same! Here is a random sampling of just some of the activities that KS MRC is involved in:

• Hold CPR trainings
• Provide medical support at an Ironman Triathalon
• Participate in mass dispensing events
• Provide vaccinations at local voting sites
• Hold handwashing campaigns
• Support the American Red Cross at a Special Needs Shelter
• Give Tetanus shots to residents of Greensburg, Kansas following the tornado

4. What is the time commitment?

The time commitment is minimal. We ask that you participate in unit activities when you are available. Most units hold meetings throughout the year to keep volunteers up-to-date with current activities. Additionally, there is the need to stay current with any required unit trainings.

5. How can I apply?

There are several ways to apply to join a unit:

• Contact your local unit’s coordinator
• Email Jennifer Hermon, the State of Kansas MRC Coordinator, for more information

6. There is not an MRC unit in my area, what should I do?

Consider starting your own unit! Visit the national MRC website - this will give you plenty of tips and hints about starting a unit.

Feel free to contact Kansas MRC coordinators for helpful advice.

7. Will I get paid?

No. The KS MRC is strictly a volunteer organization. Any time that you are willing to give will be appreciated.

8. What liability protection is available for volunteers?

Each Kansas MRC units should have responsibility for providing liability coverage. Make sure to check with the local unit coordinator to see what their policy is for liability coverage.

9. What is K-SERV? Do I have to register in that, too?

The Kansas System for the Early Registration of Volunteers (K-SERV) is an online tool for volunteer management. Volunteers who are interested in responding to a natural disaster or public health emergency can register in the website. Healthcare professionals who register will have the credentials verified. K-SERV is not a volunteer group or organization. It is simply meant to be a tool to assist volunteer organizations, like the MRC.

MRC units are beginning to use K-SERV as their volunteer management system. If you are interested in joining the Medical Reserve Corps, consider registering in K-SERV.

10. What is the Kansas Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps?

The Kansas Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps is a specialized Kansas Medical Reserve Corps unit. They are a state-wide team that provides assistance for animals during an incident response. The KVMRC only accepts veterinarians and veterinary technicians as members of their team. If you are a licensed animal health professional, consider joining the KVMRC.