To increase its volunteer base as it prepares for potential COVID-19-related public health and safety needs, the Greater Monadnock Medical Reserve Corps is inviting both medical and non-medical community members to consider submitting an application. Volunteers may be needed to support regional hospitals, a potential Alternate Care Site, as well as long-term planning for future potential testing site needs and future vaccination clinics.
The GMMRC is a regional unit of the Medical Reserve Corps, a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC network comprises approximately 175,000 volunteers in roughly 850 community-based units located throughout the United States and its territories.
The GMMRC was created in 2008 in order to identify and train medical and non-medical volunteers in the event of a public health emergency or disaster. Additionally, the volunteers fill the need to promote preparedness in the community before these events occur. The GMMRC works in partnership with The Greater Monadnock Public Health Network, Cheshire Medical Center, and Monadnock Community Hospital. GMMRC serves towns in Cheshire and Western Hillsborough counties.
“Although, we are preparing for the worst, we are hoping for the best,” says GMMRC Director Olivia Watson. “Volunteers are key to making our community a safer place to live. Our partner organizations throughout the region have the common goal of helping the community prevent, prepare for and respond to disasters, pressing public health needs and emergencies of all kinds.”
Recruitment for the GMMRC is community-based and allows volunteers to choose their desired level of participation and commitment. The application process involves a background check and pre-credentialing.
For questions about volunteer opportunities with the GMMRC, contact Olivia Watson at 354-5454, ext. 3034 or gmmrc1@gmail.com. For more information and to submit an application, visit www.gmmrc.org.