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MRC Hillsborough County
Florida Department of Health - Hillsborough County
- 813-307-8000
- Info.HillsWeb@FLHealth.gov
-
Fax
813-273-3721 -
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 5135
Tampa, FL 33675-5135
Welcome to Hillsborough County’s Medical Reserve Corps—Unit 1047. We are a community-based volunteer organization committed to strengthening public health and emergency preparedness. Whether you're a licensed medical professional or simply passionate about helping others, we invite you to join our mission.
We are actively seeking volunteers to support public health initiatives and emergency response efforts across Hillsborough County.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) support public health and emergency response efforts.
Volunteers may be activated to respond to:
- Natural disasters (e.g., hurricanes, floods, fires)
- Disease outbreaks and investigations
- Mass dispensing efforts
- Emergency shelter operations
Mission and Vision
Mission: To improve the health and safety of communities by organizing public health, medical, and other volunteers.
Vision: A nationwide network of organized volunteers strengthening the health and safety of their communities.
How to Become a Volunteer
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including:
- Medical, Public Health, and Mental Health Professionals: Doctors, nurses, EMTs, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, social workers, mental health counselors, epidemiologists, veterinarians, health educators
- Support Staff: Greeters, registrars, interpreters, safety officers, supply managers, chaplains, data entry, communications, and administrative support
- Students, Retirees, and Community Members: No medical experience required
Volunteers must be 18+ with a heart for service.
Roles are assigned based on your expertise and the needs of the emergency response.
To join Hillsborough County’s MRC:
- Complete a Volunteer Application and submit two Reference Questionnaires
- Pass a Level 2 background screening (fingerprinting provided at no cost)
- Attend orientation
- Complete IS-100 and IS-700 FEMA courses
Training and Support
We provide free training to ensure volunteers are prepared and confident:
- Required FEMA courses: IS-100 and IS-700
- Online modules via MRC-TRAIN
- Local workshops, disaster drills, and hurricane preparedness events
- Continuing education opportunities (some offer CEUs/CME credits)
Why Volunteer?
- Serve your community in a meaningful way
- Learn new skills and grow professionally
- Be a part of a coordinated emergency response team
- Build lasting connections with other volunteers
- Gain real-world experience in disaster response and public health
Liability Coverage
Activated volunteers are covered under:
- Workers’ compensation laws
- Florida’s Sovereign Immunity (768.28)
- Good Samaritan Act (768.13)
- Volunteer Protection Act (768.1355)
- Volunteer Benefits (110.504)
Coverage applies only during official MRC activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need medical experience to join?
- What might I be asked to do?
- What’s the time commitment?
- What if I work full-time at a hospital?
- Will I be paid?
Depending on your skills, you may help with:
- Medical care or evaluation
- Vaccine administration
- Medication distribution
- Volunteer coordination
- Public education
Contact Us
Interested in volunteering or learning more? Contact our MRC Coordinator:
📧 MRC.Hillsborough@FLHealth.gov
📞 813-559-4001
Public Health Preparedness Office: 813-307-8042
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