|
Washington County Public Health is kicking off a campaign to recruit
volunteers who would be willing to help people get vaccinated or assist with
distribution of preventive medications in a disease outbreak or similar health
crisis.
Both individuals with medical training and non-medical volunteers are
needed. This effort truly is a ‘Health Emergency Lifesaving Partnership’
and that means we would need help from many people with all kinds of skills to
staff our dispensing sites or mass vaccination clinics.
Whether a health emergency is the result of terrorism or a natural disaster,
plans are already in place to limit the spread of illness. Washington County has
identified locations where antibiotics, vaccines and other medical supplies can
be quickly distributed, if needed. These sites are called Points of Dispensing
or "PODs."
Health Emergency Lifesaving Partnership (HELP) volunteers will
work with Local Health Department staff and other, medically-trained people at
Points of Dispensing. For most POD roles, no medical experience is necessary.
Volunteers are needed to help people fill out forms, run errands, keep track of
supplies, supervise staff, or do many other important jobs, such as:
• Set up and break down equipment at PODS
• Give people directions
• Assist medical staff with screening
• Provide security
• Provide computer network support
• Prepare and serve food
• Help provide transportation.
HELP volunteers will receive free advance training and "on the
spot" training if their services are ever needed. To learn more about what
volunteer jobs are available, how much time is required of volunteers, and how
to apply to HELP, contact:
Matthew S. Brown, Washington County Public Health
Assistant Bioterrorism Program Coordinator at 518-746-2400
|
