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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Medical Reserve Corps

Florida Department of Health in Volusia County Medical Reserve Corps.

MRC Application

MRC Reference Application Logo


Florida MRC Volunteer Recruitment Video

About the Medical Reserve Corps

MRC LogoThe Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC network comprises 991 community-based units and almost 200,000 volunteers. MRC units are present in all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the state of Florida, there are currently 33 MRC units operating with more than 5,500 members.

MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds. MRC units engage these volunteers to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities and build community resiliency. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. They frequently contribute to community health activities that promote healthy habits. Examples of activities that MRC volunteers participate in and support include:

  • Supporting local public health, while advancing the priorities of the U.S. Surgeon General, which are to promote disease prevention, improve health literacy, eliminate health disparities, and enhance public health preparedness

  • Emergency Sheltering

  • Emergency Preparedness and Response

  • Disaster Medical Support and Mass-Casualty Incidents

  • Assisting local hospitals, clinics, and health departments with surge personnel needs

  • Participating in mass prophylaxis and vaccination exercises and community disaster drills

  • Training with Local, State, and Federal emergency response partners

  • Providing First Aid services for fundraising and other events

  • Health Screenings

  • Responder Rehab

  • Disaster Risk Reduction

  • Medical Facility Surge Capacity

  • First Aid During Large Public Gatherings

  • Planning, Logistical, & Administrative Support

  • Outreach to Underserved Community Members

  • Veterinary Support and Pet Preparedness

Licensing 

Per Florida Statues, healthcare providers, such as physicians and nurses, must have an active Florida license to practice their profession. For nominal fees, inactive medical and nursing providers may apply for limited licensure or for a retired volunteer nursing certificate. Retired professionals not desiring licensure may volunteer to fill non-medical positions.

Liability Insurance 

Liability Insurance is not required. Volunteers, both professional and non-medical, work in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health and will receive limited sovereign immunity and worker's compensation for medical costs incurred during an official event. Local and State regulations require a background check of applicants. (Statue 768.28 and Chapter 110, F.S.)

Eligibility 

  • Must be 18 years of age or older

  • Must be able to provide State or Federally issued identification

  • Must pass a Level II Background screening

  • Must pass required pre-volunteer training

  • Must provide all official credentials if applying as a medical volunteer

Notable Deployments & Special Events 

  • Special Needs Shelter Exercises (08/21/2017, 7/11/2017, 06/09/2016, 03/24/2015, 12/01/2014)

  • Back to School Immunization Clinics (08/2017, 08/2016, 08/2015, 08/2014, 08/2013)

  • Radiological Full Scale Exercise-Ft. Pierce, Florida (05/27/2015)

  • US Coast Guard Mass Rescue Operation Full Scale Exercise (11/10/2015)

  • Region 5 Bio-shield Exercise (12/02/2015)

  • Department of Health Back to School Vaccination Clinics (08/2017, 08/2016, 08/2015)

  • Daytona International Airport Triennial Full Scale Exercise (03/02/2016)

  • Zika Tabletop Exercise (04/06/2016)

  • University Mass Casualty Exercise (03/2016 and 03/2017)

  • No-cost Flu Shot clinic in Pierson (11/2016)

  • Florida Hospital Full Scale DECON Exercise (4/2017)

  • Active Shooter Training (6/2017)

  • Body Mechanics (7/2017)

  • National Night Out (7/2017)

  • The Big Latch On (8/2017)

  • Touched by Heavenly Angels (8/2017)

  • Basic Life Support Training for Professionals (9/2017)