As an innovative partnership between the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and the Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley, the pilot project has already attracted statewide and national interest as a progressive model for other local public health agencies. Medical Volunteers for Disaster Response helps build a strong community through collaboration and volunteerism as well as contributing to the preparedness and safety of all Santa Clara County residents.

What do volunteers do?

MVDR volunteers would support and assist the Public Health Department in providing mass vaccinations, mass casualty care and other critical public health services during a declared disaster or public health emergency. Volunteers may be dispatched to a variety of sites, including emergency public health sites, shelters, clinics and hospitals.

What skills are needed?

Nurses, Physicians and Physician Assistants licensed to practice in the State of California are currently eligible. MVDR anticipates expansion to other health professional volunteers, including licensed professionals in the areas of mental health, dentistry and emergency response.

How much time is expected?

Your decision to commit to MVDR is completely voluntary and is made at the time of activation. MVDR is activated only when the Public Health Department is in need of assistance to provide mass vaccinations, mass casualty care, or other critical public health services in a declared disaster or public health emergency.

Is training required?

No additional medical training is required beyond the services you provide within the scope of your current professional license and skill set. Optional training opportunities for disaster response and other related topics will be available.

What about liability?

State and federal laws offer civil liability protection to medical volunteers provided that volunteers are:
        - Properly licensed or certified
        - Act within the scope of their responsibilities
        - Refrain from certain conduct including gross negligence and willful or criminal misconduct.

(Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, the California Emergency Services Act and California Good Samaritan Laws.)

The County of Santa Clara offers no additional liability protection to program volunteers.

Why should I volunteer?

As a medical professional, you possess unique and valuable skills needed in times of disaster. Your participation will make a world of difference in the county’s immediate medical response capacity. Your skills, at the right time, will make all the difference.

How do I join?

Click here to register online:

Request registration information by contacting the MVDR Coordinator:

Project Coordinator
Medical Volunteers for Disaster Response
Office of Disaster Medical Services
Santa Clara County Public Health Department
645 South Bascom Avenue
San Jose, CA 95128-9849
Telephone: (408) 793-2020
Email: mvdr@hhs.sccgov.org