Health Department

Public Health Reserve Corps

Become a Volunteer Today!

What is the Public Health Reserve Corps (PHRC)?

The goal of the PHRC is to build a reserve of community members with specialized skills that can help the health department respond to local public health emergencies. Volunteers also assist with many of the department's non-emergency, public health programs such as health assessments and educational activities. The program is recognized as a Medical Reserve Corps unit.

Who Can Volunteer for the PHRC?

Persons living or working in Orange County can join. Our program includes, but isn't limited to, the following types of professionals: mental health providers, dental health providers, language interpreters, nurses, pharmacy professionals, physicians, health educators, and law enforcement. Volunteers can be practicing, retired, or otherwise employed.

What might I be asked to do?

Many volunteer opportunities exist within the health department. Nurses have been asked to staff flu immunization clinics and emergency shelters. Pharmacy professionals may be asked to dispense medications. Mental health professionals may be asked to staff a special needs shelter. In any event, volunteers will only be able to help in a manner consistent with their credentials.