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WGLT's reporting on the coronavirus pandemic, which began in McLean County in March 2020.

McLean County Seeks To Boost Medical Reserve Corps

pandemic exercise at Redbird Arena
Eric Stock
/
WGLT
McLean County Health Department volunteers took part in a pandemic exercise at Redbird Arena on Sept. 14, 2018.

McLean County is putting out a call for retired medical professionals and others who could help with the COVID-19 response.
The county health department’s emergency preparedness coordinator David Hopper said the Medical Reserve Corps isn't new, but they want to bolster the volunteer rolls in case they are needed for an expected surge in medical staffing demands.

“It’s hard to say how many we will need,” Hopper said. “We maintain a roster of volunteers and as the need arises we communicate to all of them because at any given time, someone might not be available.”

Hopper said volunteers could help with the county’s public health response or help cover staffing needs at hospitals.

The county currently has about 75 in its medical reserve corps, but fewer than half are health care providers.

“There may be undefined role volunteers in the very near future, but before we would deploy a volunteer to any setting, we would make sure we have trained them to know what to expect, how to perform their duties and to look out for their personal welfare,” Hopper said.

They are also looking for counselors, interpreters, clergy, legal advisers, radio operators, office support and other kinds of help.

Medical volunteers would need current licensing.

Hopper said anyone interested in volunteering can contact him at (309) 888-5987 or david.hopper@mcleancountyil.gov. They can find more information on the McLean County Health Department website or at IllinoisHelps.net.

We’re living in unprecedented times when information changes by the minute. WGLT will continue to be here for you, keeping you up-to-date with the live, local and trusted news you need. Help ensure WGLT can continue with its in-depth and comprehensive COVID-19 coverage as the situation evolves by making a contribution.

Eric Stock is the News Director at WGLT. You can contact Eric at ejstoc1@ilstu.edu.
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