What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a dedicated team of trained volunteers who step forward when their communities need them most. Whether responding to a pandemic, supporting recovery after a natural disaster, or assisting during public health emergencies, MRC members play a vital role in protecting and strengthening local communities.
As an MRC volunteer, you will receive training in advance, ensuring you are ready to make a difference when emergencies arise. Beyond response efforts, you can also contribute by supporting immunization clinics, preparedness campaigns, community events, and health education programs.
By volunteering with the MRC, you become part of a respected network of citizens committed to safeguarding the health and resilience of our communities.
The Central New York Medical Reserve Corps (CNYMRC) serves public health emergency needs across Cayuga, Cortland, Jefferson, Lewis, Madison, Onondaga, Oswego, and Tompkins counties, providing trained volunteers where they are needed most.
Why CNY Needs You
The role of CNYMRC volunteers depends on the nature of the emergency and the ongoing need for community health outreach, education, and support. Large-scale emergencies can quickly place significant strain on public health and healthcare systems—particularly during the first 12 to 72 hours.
During this critical period, trained volunteers provide essential “surge” capacity. They support public health efforts through contact tracing, immunizations, medication dispensing, and helping local health departments address urgent community needs. Volunteers also assist medical staff at hospitals, emergency facilities, alternate care sites, and shelters.
By serving with the CNYMRC, volunteers help ensure communities are better prepared, more resilient, and able to respond effectively when it matters most.
Who should volunteer for the CNYMRC?
Volunteers can be active or retired licensed healthcare professionals such as:
Or volunteers can be community members with experience in roles such as:
Volunteers must be over the age of 18. Every effort is made to match a volunteer’s emergency role with professional skills, licensure, and interests.
Why You Should Join the CNYMRC
Joining the CNYMRC gives you the chance to make a real difference in your community. As a volunteer, you can:
Step forward. Be prepared. Make a difference. Your skills and dedication can have a direct impact when communities need it most.
Ready to Join?
Take the first step today—join the CNYMRC and be ready to make a difference when your community needs you most.
Volunteer Liability and Coverage
CNYMRC volunteers are generally indemnified by their county against personal liability for actions performed within the scope of their volunteer duties. Activities conducted outside the scope of official responsibilities are not covered.
Medical professionals are encouraged to maintain their own malpractice coverage. Volunteers may also be covered under Workers’ Compensation for work-related injuries, depending on county policies.
Because each county maintains its own rules regarding personal liability, malpractice, and Workers’ Compensation, volunteers should consult their local CNYMRC program for specific details.