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Frequently Asked Questions about Volunteering
for Public Health Emergencies
Why is the Macon County
Health Department looking for volunteers
One role of the Health Department is to respond to emergencies that can pose a
significant threat to the public's health. In some cases, volunteers may be
needed to help health department staff respond to these emergencies.
Does the Health Department have a plan to respond to emergencies
Yes, the Macon County Public
Health Department has a public health emergency plan to continue to operate; to
carry out functions to protect the public's health and the environment; and to
prevent the occurrence and transmission of disease.
What kind of public health emergencies will the health
department
respond to
Public
health emergencies include large outbreaks of contagious diseases; bioterrorism
attacks; and emergencies such as floods, tornadoes, and other natural disasters.
What kind of work would I be volunteering to do
In the event of an
emergency, a wide range of interests and skills could be needed. The Macon
County Health Department is looking for
licensed healthcare
professionals and
non-licensed people who enjoy
working with others to make a difference in the health of the public.
Specialized jobs will require people who have computer skills, clerical skills,
foreign language skills, data entry skills or handyperson skills. Some jobs will
require licensed medical professionals such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists,
dentists, nurse practitioners. For other jobs there are no specific
qualifications other than the willingness to help. All volunteers will learn
about the range of positions available during orientation and will complete a
job preference questionnaire to identify positions that best fit your skills and
experience.
Will I get paid to volunteer
At this
time all volunteer work is unpaid. Your contribution of time is valued, and the
health department appreciates your commitment to help ensure the safety and
health of our community
How
much time is expected of volunteers
A variety of volunteer hours will be needed. Because your availability may
change, you will be contacted when volunteers are needed.
Where
will I go if I volunteer
The
location of the site will vary depending on the emergency. Every effort will be
made to schedule volunteers close to their community, but you may be asked to
assist in other parts of Macon County. Occasionally there could be an
opportunity to volunteer in another nearby county in Illinois.
What kind of training will I get
Everyone who signs up to volunteer will be required to attend an
orientation. At the orientation you will learn about training opportunities that
can help you prepare for a public health emergency. Training on other relevant
topics will be offered for interested volunteers beyond the basic commitment.
Volunteers can elect to be more involved in such areas as training; program
development; presenting information about the program in the community; becoming
a team leader; or volunteering for other public health opportunities in
non-emergency times.
Does registering to volunteer legally obligate me to
volunteer
in an emergency
No. At the time of an emergency, you will be contacted by the health
department’s emergency notification system and asked to volunteer. You can make
a decision at that time about volunteering.
I
live in another county and would like to help out in that county - whom should I
contact
Contact your
local county public health department
to find out who is coordinating volunteer efforts in your county.
If I
volunteer, will there be help to take care of my family
Volunteering is
optional and a personal choice you need to make with your family in mind.
Whether you chose to volunteer or not, it is important to develop an
emergency preparedness plan for your family.
How do I volunteer for other opportunities in the Health
Department other than public health emergencies
The Citizen
Corps and Medical Reserve Corps support both emergency and non-emergency
programs at the health department.
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