- Lead agency for Emergency Support Function 8 Public Health and Medical
- Partner agency for other Emergency Support Functions, such as Emergency Management and Mass Care (shelters)
- Emergency medical countermeasure dispensing, i.e., mass dispensing of medications and vaccination, is the critical function of the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) program
- Planning includes:
- Internal All-Hazards Emergency Operations Plan
- Public Health and Medical Surge Plan
- Mass Fatality Plan
- Emergency Medical Countermeasures Dispensing Plan
- Continuity of Operations Plan
- Recovery Plan
- Infectious Disease Response plan
- Among others
- Encourage personal emergency plans and “go kits” for you, your family, and your pets
- Washington County’s emergency notification system enables the County to provide you with critical information quickly in a variety of situations, such as severe weather, unexpected road closures, missing persons, and evacuation of buildings or neighborhoods. For more information or to register to receive alerts, visit: https://www.washco-md.net/emergency-management/washcomdalerts/
Maryland Responds Volunteers
Emergencies can happen to anyone at anytime, anywhere. In times like these, we need you!
The Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a community-based, civilian volunteer program that helps build the public health infrastructure and response capabilities of Maryland communities. The Maryland Responds MRC consists of dedicated responders who stand ready to volunteer their skills, expertise, and time to support ongoing public health initiatives and assist during emergencies and for non-emergent events such as exercises and drills.
The Maryland Responds MRC is composed of the State MRC Program, which is housed within the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Office of Preparedness and Response (OP&R), and 24 local units housed within local health departments throughout the State.
Who should register?
Maryland Responds is interested in recruiting licensed and non-licensed volunteers who have skills or training that could assist in the event of a public health emergency, such as:
- Healthcare professionals,
- Public health professionals,
- Behavioral health and social service professionals
- Support staff (clerical workers, data entry, greeters, traffic control and shelter workers)
Register: Help us prepare and protect our community by becoming a Maryland Responder today. Sign up to volunteer with Maryland Responds through the Maryland Responds Registry at mdresponds.health.maryland.gov. Once registered, volunteers can expect to receive announcements for real-world emergencies, training and exercise opportunities, annual notification drills, and non-emergent public health outreach initiatives, as they become available.
For additional information on preparedness, check out the following sites: