Hillsborough County’s Medical Reserve Corps is actively seeking volunteers to support public health initiatives and emergency response efforts across Hillsborough County.
Hillsborough County’s Medical Reserve Corps, Unit 1047, is a community-based volunteer organization committed to strengthening public health and emergency preparedness. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) supports public health and emergency response efforts.
Whether you’re a licensed medical professional or simply passionate about helping others, we invite you to join our mission.
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.
Volunteer Roles
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older, with a heart for service. Roles are assigned based on your expertise and the needs of the emergency response. 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
Apply to Join
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?
No. All backgrounds are welcome.
What might I be asked to do?
Depending on your skills, you may help with:
- Medical care or evaluation
- Vaccine administration
- Medication distribution
- Volunteer coordination
- Public education
What’s the time commitment?
It varies. Non-emergency events may require 2–6 hours. During emergencies, volunteers may work rotating 12-hour shifts for several days.
What if I work full-time at a hospital?
You must be released by your hospital administration before volunteering during emergencies. We coordinate with hospitals to support this.
Will I be paid?
No. MRC is a volunteer program, but some trainings offer CEUs/CME credits.