Mass. Medical Reserves Seek Volunteers To Help With Virus Response

Massachusetts public health officials are recruiting volunteers for a medical reserve corps to help with the coronavirus response, though they say no medical training is necessary.

The Medical Reserve Corps of Massachusetts was created after September 11 to support first responders.

Western Massachusetts coordinator Carmela Lanza-Weil said that during the pandemic, volunteers will only take on tasks that allow for social distance.

"They are helping manage traffic at the drive-through testing sites at hospitals. They're manning phone centers where the public can call in and ask questions," she said.

They may also deliver medical supplies to first responders, and could soon help set up a new quarantine center for people without a place to go.

Lanza-Weil said medical skills are not necessary, but volunteers do need to take a few online trainings and get a criminal background check. 

The state Department of Public Health oversees the medical reserve corps across several regions. Lanza-Weil said the state is seeking as many people as possible, though the needs change daily.

People can sign up online at MAresponds.org.