MRC Los Angeles » Frequently Asked Questions

Who is MRC Los Angeles?

MRC Los Angeles is a community-based volunteer unit sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, to engage communities in preparing for emergencies and support public health staffing in response to public health emergencies. There are over 600 members throughout the County of Los Angeles.

Can I join the MRC Team?

The MRC Team is comprised of volunteers from all professions and skill levels. If you are:

An Angeleno interested in responding to public health emergencies and disasters;
A professional with a current medical, health, or mental health license;
A retired medical, health, or mental health professional; or
A professional with a Public Health background and/or training

WE NEED YOU!

What will I be doing as a volunteer?

During a large public health emergency or disaster, volunteers are needed to support Los Angeles County Department of Public Health in their response to serve the 10.1 million residents. The primary large scale response will be assisting at mass dispensing sites, called Points of Dispensing (POD).

You may be asked to dispense medication, screen clients, distribute information, direct clients through the POD process, provide mental health consultation, or perform data entry. Assignments will be determined according to your skills and the needs of the response.

You will not be asked to function in roles outside of your skill set. MRC Los Angeles may also be deployed for other emergencies including mass casualties at the request of Los Angeles County Emergency Medical Services.

As a volunteer, you will also have the opportunity to support public health activities throughout the year.

Can I decide where I want to be assigned?

No. Assignments will be given on a needed basis and will depend on your skills. We ask that you be flexible.

How do I join MRC Los Angeles?

You may:

Contact MRC Los Angeles Coordinator; or
Register online at https://www.healthcarevolunteers.ca.gov/

I would like to sign up, but how secure is my information? Can anybody access my personal records? How is confidentiality maintained?

The information we have is stored in a secured system and will only be accessible to official representatives.

Your contact information will only be used to assist us in contacting you regarding trainings and emergency deployment. We do not sell, rent, or otherwise share your personal information with any third parties.

I don’t have much time, is there a minimum volunteer commitment?

There is no minimum time commitment as a volunteer. If you are activated in an emergency, you will be assigned to a shift.

Depending on the staffing needs and nature of the emergency, the shift may be 8 or 12 hours.

We encourage your involvement in public health activities, trainings, and exercises to prepare as volunteers throughout the year.

Do volunteers receive any compensation?

No, you will be volunteering to help the County in time of need.

What can you tell me about my liability?

Volunteers assisting public health during an emergency will be sworn in and subscribe to the oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution that declares them to be Disaster Service Workers (DSW) in time of need. DSWs are covered by Workers’ Compensation and cannot be held liable for their actions during a disaster while acting within the scope of their responsibilities.

Are there any required meetings or trainings?

MRC Los Angeles volunteers will need to complete some mandatory trainings. Other trainings are voluntary.

Do volunteers need to be vaccinated?

No prior vaccinations are required. However, in the event of a public health emergency, activated volunteers and their families will receive any necessary preventative medication for that event prior to being deployed.

How will I be notified when volunteer services need to be activated?

You will be notified via email or telephone.

Do I notify my employer first prior to volunteering my services?

Yes, your duty is to your employer first. It is understood that as an employee, you must attend to the needs of your organization first. The conditions under which an employee will be released to volunteer in an emergency remain between the employer and the employee.