Emergency response volunteer opportunities

Get involved: become a pre-credentialed and vetted volunteer today so that you’re ready and able to respond when an emergency happens.

An effective response to large-scale disasters requires that volunteers be pre-credentialed and deployed through a coordinated effort. Well-meaning individuals who spontaneously present to disaster sites are often unable to be assigned because they have not enrolled with or been vetted by a recognized volunteer organization previously. With limited time and resources to process volunteers during an event, often only those with known credentials are permitted access to the disaster response.

Both clinical and non-clinical volunteers can fill a variety of helpful roles. Below are a few options you can explore to learn about becoming a public health volunteer.

Massachusetts Responds (MA Responds)

MA Responds is a database of health care volunteers and non-health care volunteers willing to assist during a health emergency or event. You can join this network of people who are trained and ready to respond when called to assist local health and safety officials in Massachusetts.

All levels of volunteers, clinical or non-clinical, students, and active or retired professionals are welcome.

Register on MA Responds 

Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps is a national network of local groups of emergency response volunteers across the US. These groups focus on improving the health, safety, and resiliency of their local communities.

Learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps 

Behavioral Health Disaster Responders

Behavioral Health Disaster Responders are trained to provide short-term counseling to people experiencing psychological reactions to a major emergency or disaster and its aftermath.

Learn more about Behavioral Health Disaster Responders 

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