Hidalgo County launches Medical Reserve Corps, seeks volunteers for public health emergencies
Staff Report
Edinburg, TX – The Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department has launched a Medical Reserve Corps unit and is recruiting volunteers to help support public health efforts, from vaccination clinics to emergency response.
The Hidalgo County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) will organize and train volunteers who can be deployed during public health emergencies and for community outreach events throughout the county. Officials said the program is open to both licensed medical and public health professionals and residents without healthcare backgrounds who want to assist.
According to the department, MRC members may help with:
- Emergency response during public health incidents.
- Community health outreach and education.
- Vaccination and mass-dispensing clinics.
- Preparedness drills, exercises and other public health initiatives.
The goal, county leaders said, is to “build a resilient Hidalgo County through trained, ready volunteers” who can strengthen community response when disasters or health emergencies arise.
How to join
Residents interested in serving with the MRC must complete two steps:
- Sign up with the Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry (TDVR).
- Complete the Hidalgo County Medical Reserve Corps application.
Medical professional applicants are required to include their credentials as part of the application process.
Why participate
Health officials said the program offers volunteers a chance to promote public health priorities, strengthen local emergency response, support mass-dispensing operations, connect with diverse professionals and be part of a coordinated volunteer network before, during and after emergencies.
For more information or to volunteer, residents may email mrc@hchd.org or visit the Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department website using the QR code provided in program materials.
Source — Hidalgo County Health and Human Services Department.