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1. Why is local public health looking for volunteers?

One role of local public health is to respond to emergencies that can pose a threat to the health of the community. Public health emergencies may include large outbreaks of a contagious disease like influenza, bioterrorism incidents like a chemical attack, and natural disasters like tornadoes. In the event of a large emergency, local public health may not have enough staff to respond alone. Services that volunteers can provide are crucial to the successful response to an emergency.

2. Why do we need volunteers to register?

Experience has shown that during an emergency or crisis, hundreds of people want to volunteer their assistance. Advanced registration allows public health to utilize volunteers more quickly and effectively. It also allows volunteers to obtain training ahead of an emergency.

3. What type of duties may be available?

Depending on the emergency, volunteers will be needed to perform a variety of different jobs. Some require little training, and others require an active healthcare professional license. Jobs may range from clerical, (like handing out and assisting with forms), data entry, security, to professional tasks for nurses, (vaccinator) physicians, (health screening) or mental health workers (counseling).

4. How do I register?

How do I register?

Registering does not obligate you to volunteer during an emergency. You may sign up at the Michigan Volunteer Registry. This program allows volunteers to be listed in a state database to be contacted in the event of an emergency. Through this registry, volunteers may also have the opportunity to participate in training and emergency preparedness exercises. For more information visit the Michigan Volunteer Registry website.

Michigan Volunteer Registry website.