Boulder County, CO — In just a matter of weeks after putting out the call for medical volunteers to help with the COVID-19 response, more than 150 professionals have signed up.

“We are so grateful for the interest we’ve received so far,” said Chris Campbell, Medical Reserve Corps of Boulder County (MRCBC) unit coordinator. “While we can’t know for sure what will be needed, the level of interest to step up like this helps us all be better prepared.”

Volunteers are from a range of medical professions, including nurses, physicians, physician assistants, emergency medical technicians (EMT), certified nursing assistants (CNA), medical assistants, mental health practitioners, and public health professionals.

“We are preparing for a potential surge in demand for hospital care,” said Campbell. “MRCBC volunteers will be needed to help hospitals care for people who need care at a time when the healthcare system will be extremely challenged.”

Boulder County Public Health and the local hospitals have planned and trained for medical surge situations for more than a decade. In addition, local hospitals and public health are coordinating with state officials to plan for intensive care and ventilator needs.

Despite the outpouring of support, additional medical professionals will be needed in this response, including those who are active, practicing, retired, or non-practicing. Anyone interested in helping can visit www.BoulderCountyMRC.org to learn more about the MRCBC or register to volunteer.

Residents who are interested in volunteering their non-medical skills and knowledge are encouraged to go to HelpColoradoNow.com.

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program is housed within the Readiness Division, Office of Emergency Management and Medical Operations, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). MRCBC recruits, trains, and activates volunteers in the event of a public health emergency in Boulder County.

-BoulderCountyMRC.org-