On Thursday, September 19, the Allegany County Health Department and the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene’s Office of Preparedness and Response will host an informational session at the Willowbrook Office Complex in Cumberland to provide an overview of the Maryland (MD) Responds volunteer database. The meeting will take place on the ground floor of the building in Conference Room #2 at 6:00 p.m. The session is free and open to the public, but space is limited so individuals are asked to call the ACHD Office of Preparedness at 301-759-5015 if they plan to attend. Would you be willing to help your community prepare for and respond to public health emergencies? If so, you can become an essential part of “A Prepared Maryland” by registering as a MD Responds volunteer. MD Responds, previously known as the Maryland Professional Volunteer Corps, is a Web-based volunteer registry which allows volunteers to be alerted when their assistance might be needed in a public health event. MD Responds volunteers may deliver a variety of necessary public health services during a crisis. Volunteers may also serve a vital role by assisting their communities with ongoing public health needs (e.g., screenings, health and nutrition education, volunteering at public health clinics, etc.). You do not have to be healthcare professional to become a MD Responds volunteer – non-healthcare volunteers can play a vital role in a public health event by assisting with logistical issues such as transportation, security, traffic direction, clinic set-up, patient tracking, greeting/guiding clients, and public information services such as hotline staffing. Membership is open to anyone age 18 or older, and the registration system allows volunteers to designate whether they wish to respond only to local public health efforts or also regionally or nationally. Registering as a volunteer does not mean that individuals are required to be available in every situation. It simply means that if a public health volunteer need arises, MD Responds will have a way to quickly contact registered volunteers to see if they are available. The informational session on Thursday will provide an overview of the MD Responds program and the registration process, information on upcoming training opportunities, and a Q&A period. A computer will also be available for those wishing to register at that time with MD Responds. As a volunteer, you can make a difference in the health of your community! Joining the MD Responds community is quick and easy. Simply visit https://mdresponds.dhmh.maryland.gov/to complete a registration form and volunteer profile. For more information, visit MDR.dhmh.maryland.gov or call 410-767-7772.
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 10:37:33 +0000