Current and retired health care professionals are receiving a volunteer “help wanted” call through a grant program known as Operation Step Up.

The United Way of Martin County’s Volunteer & Community Resource Center (VCRC) has received Operation Step Up funding for the past three years, targeting recruitment and training of volunteers in areas where help is needed during times of disaster. This year, one of the areas of emphasis is recruiting more retired and practicing medical professionals to volunteer in the wake of disaster.

As part of this effort, VCRC has partnered with the Martin County Health Department and the Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Clinic to attract health care workers who would be interested in volunteering either after a disaster or on a routine basis at the VIM Clinic.

“Martin County is seeking to build a corps of locally based health care volunteers who can help on a routine basis the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic or in times of emergency – such as during a flu outbreak or following a hurricane, major accident or chemical spill,” said Maureen Ryan, RN, the assistant nursing director for community health programs at the Martin County Health Department.

Volunteer staffing of special needs shelters are a concern, but all types of medical and mental health care is needed. A recent mailing went out to 1,600 nurses, and a similar outreach is planned to physicians in the area. However, the recruitment effort also is calling for practicing or retired pharmacists, paramedics, epidemiologists, mental health professionals and respiratory therapists. Translators, sign language interpreters, clerical workers and instructors are also needed.

If you are interested in any type of health care-related volunteer activity, please call VCRC volunteer services coordinator Shannon Midkiff at (772) 220-4472, ext. 228.

ABOUT OPERATION STEP UP

Operation Step Up is entering its final months here in Martin County, but it will have a lasting effect on the area’s disaster preparedness.

For three years, the United Way Volunteer & Community Resource Center has applied for and received Operation Step Up grants for local projects aimed at lessening the effects of disaster and enhancing the community’s ability to respond.

Across the state, Operation Step Up projects engage volunteers in homeland security initiatives and disaster planning and response. It is a program sponsored by Volunteer Florida through a grant from the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. Operation Step Up is in the third year of a three-year funding cycle.

 “Over the past three years, Operation Step Up has brought about $60,000 in funding to VCRC and its partners,” VCRC director Carol Hodnett said. “It is going to be vital for VCRC to find new funding opportunities to support such important volunteer efforts as disaster response and recovery.”

For more information about VCRC, which is also home to the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, the School Supplies for Students Drive, and the White Doves Holiday Project, please call (772) 220-4472 or visit www.martinvolunteers.org.