Are you interested in volunteering to help out your community? Consider reaching out to your local MRC unit and join today!
In an emergency, your neighbor may need a hand. How about yours?
Anyone can join the Medical Reserve Corps and learn the skills necessary to help out your neighbors and community members in the event of an emergency.
Vermont thrives on volunteer efforts—and never is that truer than during emergencies. From trained medical professionals who respond daily to citizen volunteers who step up during natural disasters, Vermonters like you make all the difference in our communities’ health, safety, and preparedness. OnCall for Vermont offers two opportunities for health-focused volunteering–Medical Reserve Corps and Emergency Medical Services.
Medical Reserve Corps
Vermont’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units are community-focused volunteers who supplement local public health and emergency response resources. They receive training in emergency preparedness, prepare for and respond to emergencies, and promote public health throughout the year. Part of the national MRC network, Vermont’s eight MRC units are a shining light in their community.
The first step to joining the MRC is registering with the Vermont Volunteer Responder Management System. This will connect you with your local MRC unit to learn more about the program.
Watch the video below to learn why some members of Vermont's MRC group joined!
Emergency Medical Services
Vermont’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) volunteers often see people on the worst day of their lives–providing timely care to help Vermonters in their most critical times of need. When a call comes in, you never quite know what to expect. These dynamic and unpredictable situations require a high level of coordinated teamwork–a cornerstone of the EMS experience.
Volunteer of the Month
Our Volunteer of the Month is Maddy Cooley of Central Vermont MRC. Maddy joined the MRC in June of 2024. Maddy is an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and works at a local clinic. In between being an incredibly involved person, I had the pleasure of interviewing Maddy about her experiences with MRC.
What was your reason for joining the Medical Reserve Corps program?
In April 2024, I got my EMT license. I had heard about MRC but didn’t know much more than a blurb I’d read about it. I decided I wanted to do it, and I joined as a way to use my skills. I love that MRC allows me a way to educate people and give them resources for protecting themselves, such as tick kits or warm weather education to keep people safe. I also wanted to volunteer at shelters in emergencies. I am one of those people who wants to share positivity when I can.
Tell us about your professional experience.
I have worked in healthcare and childcare since I was 16 years old. I have worked in schools, EMS, home health. They’ve all been jobs that work with people. When I have tried to work jobs that keep me away from people, I get bored. I like to be a person’s smile for the day.
What was your favorite moment, or most memorable experience of your MRC work?
Last year during one of the weather events, I was the medical professional on site at the Barre Auditorium shelter doing health screens on guests. I handed out food and water, had conversationss, and conducted mental health checks. I know many don’t consider mental health to be part of physical health, but it’s just as important. Some of the people I talked to were going through very hard times. It was nice to be a listening ear for them.
What are your parting words to anyone considering joining the MRC?
You’ll meet so many wonderful people and make amazing connections, whether its other volunteers you can network with or educate, or people you serve in the community. Knowing you are helping and educating the community is such a reward. And you can volunteer just once, or many times. It’s okay to be busy. There are lots of opportunities, so long as you provide love and compassion when you can!
Check out the Vermont MRC Newsletter!
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