The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was created after the tragedy of 9/11 due to a lack of vetting of medical personnel. Many who offered to help in the aftermath were turned away because their credentials and backgrounds could not be verified quickly enough. Today, the MRC Network consists of dedicated Responders ready to volunteer their skills, expertise, and time to support government agencies like SMCHD and assist first responders in emergencies. 

SMCHD organized the first local unit of the MRC, the St. Mary’s County Local Public Health Corps (LPHC), at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the people who volunteered their time and skills to the agency during that time became valued members of the COVID-19 response staff full-time, and others continue to volunteer today. Volunteers provided support in a variety of roles, both clinical and non-clinical, from testing to contact tracing in the early days of the pandemic.

Interested in becoming a St. Mary’s County Local Public Health Corpsman?

• Volunteers must be at least 18 years old
• No medical experience is necessary, but is helpful
• Free training will be provided as needed
• Work is volunteer hour eligible

St. Mary’s County Local Public Health Corps Portal

The St. Mary’s County LPHC Portal is an app specifically designed for SMCHD to store Local Public Health Corpsman info and quickly contact them for assistance or support. The portal:

• Tracks training and service hours completed by St. Mary’s County Local Public Health Corpsmen
• Includes in-app license verification
• Is secure and adheres to HIPAA requirements
• Is compatible with phones and tablets
• Has an easy sign-up and verification process