You Can Help!

Prepare Hawaii for an Emergency

It’s time to strengthen our community.

Today healthcare is faced with many challenges that, just a short time ago, were unthinkable. Recent natural and man made catastrophes such as earthquakes, tsunamis, outbreaks of disease and acts of terrorism have placed public health responders on the frontlines. The Hawaii Department of Health leads our state’s medical and public health response to emergencies and works closely with state and community agencies to safeguard the health of our citizens and visitors.

We need your help!

Join our state’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)! The mission of the Hawaii MRC is to establish teams of local volunteers who can contribute their skills and expertise for medical and public health services throughout the year and during times of community need.

Who can join the MRC?

Anyone who wants to assist during a public health emergency or event can join. Trained medical professionals are of great help, but we also need people with many other skills.

Why become a member of the MRC?

Become a member of the MRC to serve your community. Due to the unique geographic location of our state, it is of the utmost importance that we are self sufficient in a time of crisis or need. Hawaii’s MRC will help to fill gaps in medical and public health response not covered by other agencies.

What is the time commitment?

Members will be asked to attend quarterly meetings lasting about 2 hours. Each training is designed to improve your knowledge of disaster preparedness and response. You will also have the opportunity to network with colleagues and participate in volunteer activities as specified by your local MRC chapter.

Any questions?

• On Oahu, contact Kate Gaynor, MD, All Hazards Preparedness Coordinator, at the Hawaii Department of Health
  Phone: 808-587-6583
  E-mail: kate.gaynor@doh.hawaii.gov

• For Maui County, contact Marc Nishimoto, at the Maui District Health Office
  Phone: 808-243-8660
  E-mail: marc.nishimoto@doh.hawaii.gov
• For Hawaii County, contact Anne Holmberg, at the Hawaii District Health Office
  Phone: 808-974-6480
  E-mail: kathryn.holmberg@doh.hawaii.gov
• For Kauai County, contact Moji Owolabi, at the Kauai District Health Office
  Phone: 808-241-3555
  E-mail: mojisola.owolabi@doh.hawaii.gov

Registration:

You can apply to be a member at: http://72.253.71.52/custom/504/

Please note that that if you are an essential worker, your first obligation during an emergency is to your employer. MRC volunteers are asked to respond only after their primary response obligations are met.