Benefits of Being a MRC Volunteer: 

• A sense of pride and accomplishment  in serving your community in disaster
• New experiences with opportunity to network with peers.
• Access to free training and educational opportunities in the classroom, field exercises and via the internet.

Contact Information for the Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps:
MRC Coordinator:
Betty Omerod, RN
Phone: (407) 858-1400 x 1109
Fax: (407) 858-5538
Betty_Omerod@doh.state.fl.us

Important Links:

National Medical Reserve Corps

Florida Emergency Health Volunteer Registry (FEHVR)

MRC Train

This unit is sponsored by Central Florida Disaster Services, Inc. and the Orange County Health Department

Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps

We need both Medical and Non-Medical Volunteers to meet community disaster response!

What is the Medical Reserve Corps?

The Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a team of healthcare, administrative professionals and others who volunteer their time and skills to support emergency medical workers in an emergency or disaster.   This MRC unit supports Orange and Osceola counties with volunteers to support disaster response agencies and health departments that may become overwhelmed by the need for medical care for our residents.  Medical Reserve Corps members are trained and called to assist during these times of need.  Volusia, Brevard, Seminole, and Lake County host MRC units as well.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone who works or lives in Orange, Brevard or Osceola counties may join the Central Florida MRC unit.  Volunteers serve locally in order to respond quickly in time of need.  Members may be asked to respond out of the area in declared disasters needing support in other counties, the state, or in a national response.

All types of volunteers are needed to support disaster response.  Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, emergency personnel, behavioral health specialist, dentists, infectious disease specialists /epidemiologists, and medical technicians needed for support.  Those without medical background including interpreters, chaplains, amateur radio operators, warehouse and general volunteers are needed to fill support roles.

Do I need to be or have a current license in the State of Florida?

Yes.  According to Florida Statues, healthcare providers, such as physicians and nurses, must have an active Florida license in order to practice their profession.  For nominal fees, inactive medical and nursing providers may apply for limited licensure or for a retired volunteer nursing certificate.  Retired professionals not desiring licensure may volunteer to fill non-medical positions. 

Do I need liability insurance as a member of the Medical Reserve Corps?

No. Volunteers, both professional and non-medical, work in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health and will receive limited sovereign immunity and worker’s compensation for medical costs incurred during an official event. Local and State regulations require a background check of applicants. (Statue 768.28 and Chapter 110, F.S.)

Is there training for Volunteers?