Public health emergency preparedness and response

In an emergency, call 911

Hennepin County Public Health is always working to keep our residents and businesses safe. You can count on us to:

Plan for and coordinate public health and human services emergency responses

Collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies, and with local hospitals and clinics

Inform you about current emergencies and provide resources to help you prepare for health and safety risks

Investigate and contain infectious disease outbreaks

Volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps

These volunteers provide direct behavioral/mental health, clinical and medical care, and cultural liaison services to residents and communities during public health emergencies.

Hennepin County trains volunteers to support and enhance the county’s public health preparedness and emergency response efforts. Volunteers help improve the health, safety, and resiliency of residents and communities.

Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps activities

Help with vaccine clinics
Help with cultural outreach to communities affected by health issues or events
Give on-site medical care at stand-up clinics
Help at registration desks
Greet or welcome people at a public health clinic or event
Distribute medication during a public health emergency
Staff major catastrophic mass casualty events
Staff family assistance centers

Types of volunteers needed

Behavioral/mental health: therapists, social workers, chaplains, and others in the helping professions
Clinical and medical: nurses, doctors, paramedics, and others in the medical field
Cultural liaison: people with cross-cultural or language skills

Apply for the volunteer Medical Reserve Corps

Apply for the volunteer Medical Reserve Corps through the State of Minnesota. Once you apply, a county staff member will contact you.

Medical Reserve Corps online application

For questions or for help with the application

Contact Dee Her by phone at 612-348-0784 or by email at mrc@hennepin.us.

Hennepin County, Minnesota