There are two ways to volunteer with
Sarasota County Health Department: through the Medical Reserve
Corps and through the Volunteer Health Services Program.
The Medical Reserve Corps of Sarasota
County is a local network of volunteers who are recruited and trained to
respond to emergencies and/or local public health needs, such as
community health screenings. Volunteers are also recruited to
serve in the capacity of medical and non-medical needs within the local
Sarasota County Health Department. Volunteers must be at least 16
years of age.
The
Medical
Reserve Corps is a national program. The need for trained, supplemental medical and public health personnel to
assist with emergency operations was highlighted after the 9/11
terrorist attacks. There are 400 local registered MRC units throughout
the United States. The Medical Reserve Corps of Sarasota County,
approved in June, 2005, is one of 22 units in the state of Florida
officially registered with the office of the Surgeon General. The
"Medical" in Medical Reserve Corps does not limit MRC units to medical
professionals. Individuals without medical training are also
needed to fill essential supporting roles.
Under Florida law,
e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail
address released in response to a public records request, do not send
electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone
or in writing.
Volunteer Health Services Program
SCHD's
Volunteer Health Services Program gives another way for residents to
volunteer. It is a local version of a Florida Department of Health
statewide program. Through it, committed volunteers promote access to
quality health care for the medically underserved and uninsured
residents by working with DOH entities, community, and faith-based
health care providers.
Anyone can volunteer by
donating their goods or services to those in need. A variety of
volunteer opportunities is available to individuals with clerical,
administrative, technical, and professional skills.
Private licensed
health care providers can volunteer their services to medically
indigent residents of Florida (with incomes at or below 200% of the
Federal Poverty Level). Through a contract, a provider can be
designated an "agent of the state" and have sovereign immunity for
uncompensated services rendered to clients determined eligible and
referred by DOH. Providers have the option to volunteer in
freestanding clinics or to see eligible clients in their private
offices or corporate facilities.
The Volunteer Health
Services Program is authorized through Chapters
110 and
766, Florida Statutes. Volunteers are supervised by the DOH.
For additional information or to volunteer
through the Volunteer Health Services Program,
please contact:
Under Florida law,
e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail
address released in response to a public records request, do not send
electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone
or in writing.
