ROCKWALL COUNTY VIP Volunteers Informed & Prepared

Public Health Emergency Support Volunteer Organization

Rockwall County’s first step in preparation for a local health emergency is to recruit volunteers. You do not have to be a medical professional, nor do you have to reside in Rockwall County to participate.  Anyone can help.

BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING:

You & your family get the medication FIRST in an emergency.

Volunteers will receive peace of mind knowing that they and their entire family would receive guaranteed priority vaccinations or medications without waiting in line, thus ensuring the volunteer’s availability as a resource for dispensing efforts.  Volunteers are more likely to offer their time & services if first they know their family is safe!

• Networking & Interaction opportunities within the community
• Free Disaster & Emergency Response training courses
• Hands on Drills & Exercises
• Sense of pride through Community Service

WHAT IS EXPECTED IF YOU VOLUNTEER:

1. Complete an application that contains your contact information and skills.

Rockwall County will maintain a secure, confidential database of volunteer contact information and qualifications. This data will only be shared with participating local health departments, as needed to contact volunteers for activation in case of an emergency.  After initial training, you will not be contacted unless an actual emergency arises. You will never be obligated to participate in any public health response and may have your name removed from our database at any time.

2. Come to one Orientation Training meeting that familiarizes you with the SNS and learn what the CRI is all about.

Less than a 9-12 hour lifetime training commitment. Additional training will be made available for Core/Section Leads and Clinic Site setup.  All training sessions are local and brief. Check the Calendar page often for updates.

3. Once your skills are assessed, you will be notified of your placement on a POD Response Team.

4. You will be given specialized training for your role on the team.

5. Participate in the 4-hour Public Health Emergency Exercise this Fall 2006, where volunteers will participate in running a Functional Clinic Operation, complete with mock patients.

You are done… unless an actual emergency arises where you will be asked to perform your duties for potentially 1 or more 12 hour shifts.

**Keep in mind, volunteers would be at no greater risk of contracting an illness than the general public.  Emergency Planners are striving for NO contamination or health risks for volunteers or the general public at our Clinic sites, as people will be screened and the sick will be taken to designated hospitals for care.**

Ready to become a local hero?

  Ready to give your very best when times are at their worst?

Click on the Volunteer Application link to complete your application online, or print an application to mail or fax.