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.
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