Who can join the South Central Pennsylvania Medical Reserve Corps?
Anyone 18 years or older who is passionate about the health and safety of their community and is willing to support routine public health activities or serve during public health emergencies is encouraged to join. People aged 14-18 can also participate, provided they are supervised as described above.
Can I volunteer if I’m not currently licensed or practicing in the medical field?
Yes. The SCPA MRC needs both medical and non-medical volunteers. We offer numerous opportunities for members without a medical background, such as participating in health education campaigns and assisting at vaccine clinics as support staff. Some volunteer roles may require medical licensure and specialized skills to provide the best care for the community. The SCPA MRC includes a diverse range of professions, including physicians, nurses, real estate agents, administrative assistants, and K-12 educators. Anyone can volunteer with our organization!
Am I obligated to volunteer in an emergency?
As a volunteer, you are not required to volunteer during an emergency.
Will you ask me to volunteer for an emergency outside of Pennsylvania?
MRC volunteers are regarded as local assets; however, in an emergency, SCPA MRC volunteers may be asked to deploy to counties outside of our region in Pennsylvania. We have not been requested to deploy outside of Pennsylvania.
How will you contact me in an emergency?
Notifications will be sent through the SERV PA portal to your email or phone using the contact information you provided in SERV PA. All routine communications and deployment opportunities are sent from the Unit Leader through SERV PA.
What do I do if I no longer want to be contacted by the SCPA MRC?
Suppose you no longer want to receive notifications and deployment opportunities or wish to remain an active volunteer with the SCPA MRC. In that case, you can log into your SERV PA account and mark yourself as "INACTIVE." You can also contact the MRC unit leaders to assist you with this.
Who will have access to my personal information?
Only the Unit Leader, Unit Deputy Leader, and the MRC State Coordinator have access to the personal information you provide in SERV PA. Your personal information will only be used for SCPA MRC purposes related to your role as a volunteer. SERV PA is a secure system, and your personal information will never be shared.
What do I do if I have an accident or illness while deployed by SCPA MRC?
First aid services are available at all MRC activities. Always call 9-1-1 for emergencies. Member insurance must be used for all injuries and illnesses. Report all injuries and illnesses to the Unit Lead or Deputy Unit Lead.
