Wouldn't it be great to have a group of volunteer medical professionals and others who are already identified, credentialed, trained and prepared to help when they are needed in your local community?

Here in Utah, there is such a group. It's called the Medical Reserve Corps. Although each unit is unique, most of the units supplement existing hospital, public health and emergency medical systems when they are overwhelmed. 

In an earthquake, for example, as much as 85 percent of the people who flock to hospitals don't need urgent emergency care. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers can help reduce that surge. They can also help with public health education campaigns, flu shot clinics and disease investigations.

Each local health department in Utah hosts a Medical Reserve Corps program. If you are interested, please click here to find the unit in your area. Or, for more information, contact your local health department.