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MRC Activation in Support of ARC Disaster Operations

Frequently Asked Questions

September 11, 2005 UPDATE

What is the mission? The mission is to provide the MRC volunteer support for the ARC sheltering operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

How do I get information about this mission? Your local MRC unit leader has been given detailed information and the application forms for this mission. There also is additional information on the MRC Web site. If you have any additional questions, you can contact the MRC liaison officer at the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center by telephone at (202) 303-5644 or via e-mail at hs-mrc@usa.redcross.org. There is currently no voicemail set up on the telephone, so if the line is busy or not answered, please call back.

How do I apply for this mission? Your local MRC leader will provide the appropriate application forms that need to be completed—ARC Disaster Response Application Form, Personal Statement of Understanding, and Disaster Personal Health Statement/Questionnaire. You will need to fax completed forms to the MRC Liaison in the ARC Disaster Operations Center at (202) 303-0233.

The fax line has been busy; is there another fax number to send my application? YES! Try the new fax number: 1-800-967-4314. Do not forget to sign your forms; ARC cannot process them unless they have signatures on your application.

Will I be paid a stipend during this deployment? No. This joint MRC-ARC mission is strictly voluntary and is not compensated.

Do I need to be an MRC volunteer to be part of this deployment? Yes. This particular mission is a specific activation of MRC volunteers to support the American Red Cross sheltering operations. The local MRC units bring their volunteers to this mission; these voluteers have been through the local MRC credentialing process.

Will I still be an MRC volunteer during this mission? Yes. MRC volunteers will be activated through the ARC, but will still maintain their MRC affiliation. MRC volunteers are strongly encouraged to wear MRC paraphernalia (e.g., badges, vests, etc.) and clothing during their deployment—and any ARC identifiers which may or may not be provided to them. This is a great opportunity to show your pride by prominently displaying the MRC logo.

How is my local MRC unit involved in this mission? The local MRC unit leader is helping to coordinate the response; this is to ensure all local needs are met first. Your MRC unit leader must concur with your participation in this deployment, and this concurrence should be indicated on the application Fax Cover Sheet.

Can I forward this MRC-ARC mission request to other non-MRC members? No. This deployment is strictly for MRC members. If you are not presently an MRC volunteer, please contact your local MRC unit to begin the process to become an MRC volunteer (which will involve a basic check of qualifications and licensure). For more information on the MRC program, visit the MRC Web site.

If I volunteer, will I be deployed? By submitting the application, you are agreeing to be deployed. If you meet the minimum qualifications, you will be deployed. You should fill out the earliest date of availability on the Fax Cover Sheet.

Where will I be deployed? Deployment assignments are made by ARC based on need. Currently, the ARC is unable to accommodate specific requests for geographic deployments. Volunteers accepted for deployment will receive a briefing with more specific instructions on where to report and when.

Will MRC units be deployed together? Not necessarily; ARC will deploy volunteers based upon need, profession, and priority.

What type of living environment should I expect if deployed? The extent of the devastation left by Hurricane Katrina is tremendous and has left areas with little infrastructure (e.g., buildings, roads, electricity, etc). All MRC volunteers should be prepared for extremely austere working environments. The ARC asks volunteers to be able to meet their 12 Hardship Requirements—please see the attachment titled ARC 12 Hardship Requirements for a clear description of these requirements.

What is the timeline for deployment? Volunteers are needed immediately and are expected to be needed for the long term. The MRC and ARC are accepting applications for immediate deployment. MRC and ARC also understand that the need for volunteers will be long term, so volunteers who are not immediately available may volunteer when they are available. Please remember to provide dates of availability—these are very important.

How long should I expect to be deployed? You will be expected to deploy for a minimum of 2 weeks.

Will I have to pay for my own travel, lodging, or other expenses? Travel, lodging, and a per-diem payment for miscellaneous expenses will be provided by the ARC.

How are logistics (e.g., travel, lodging, meals) handled? Once you have a deployment assignment, you will be provided with a briefing on specific information about making travel arrangements, and other travel-related expense procedures.

What should I bring with me? Once you have a deployment assignment, a list of travel needs will be provided by the ARC and the MRC Liaison. In general, you should bring personal items necessary for extremely austere working environments.

What conditions should I expect during this deployment? The conditions are likely to be very primitive and austere. The ARC will provide room accommodations when available, but many volunteers may sleep on cots. Volunteers need to understand that there is limited or no electricity, potable water, phone service, air conditioning, and other amenities. Food and water supplies, for now, are limited. Expect the environment and the situation to be stressful emotionally. Transportation is limited. Volunteers should be able to carry their own luggage. Please see the application packet "Hardship Guidance" document for further information on the conditions to expect.

Are deployment areas secure? Yes. ARC guarantees that all volunteers will be sent to areas where security can be assured. If safety becomes a concern, ARC will reassign volunteers.

Do I have to have a prior affiliation with the American Red Cross to deploy through the MRC? No. The application packet comes from the National ARC, and you do not have to have previous affiliation with a local chapter or national ARC. The application packet volunteers must complete to deploy will enroll them as a member of the ARC.

Are any vaccinations recommended prior to this deployment? Yes. The following are CDC's Interim Immunization Recommendations for Emergency Responders: Hurricane Katrina. For further information, please see the CDC's Web site.

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (receipt of primary series, and Td booster within 10 years)
Hepatitis B vaccine series for persons who will be performing direct patient care or otherwise expected to have contact with bodily fluids.

Neither MRC nor ARC are able to cover the costs of the vaccinations.

What types of volunteers are needed? All types of volunteers—medical and public health professionals, mental health specialists, and others—are needed to support ARC sheltering operations in areas affected by Hurricane Katrina. MRC volunteers will be called on to perform various mental health and basic medical functions, and other activities. Position descriptions outlining specific responsibilities for volunteers will be provided by the ARC upon activation.

What will I do? You will be supporting ARC in areas of greatest need. Specific position descriptions outlining specific responsibilities are provided by ARC—please see the ARC Position Descriptions for deployment roles. MRC volunteers will be deployed according to their expertise and ARC needs. Note that ARC deployment roles may not directly match up with volunteers' professional background.

Volunteer opportunities for Hurricane Katrina will be ongoing for many months; other MRC opportunities may become available for volunteers with special skills not covered in current ARC deployment roles.

Will MRC provide a letter of invitation for me to take leave from work to respond? No—currently, volunteers must coordinate their own leave requests with their employers. Once selected to deploy on the MRC-ARC mission, ARC will send an activation letter to the volunteer.

What if I do not have a license to practice in the state where I am going? The ARC has established agreements with all states through Reciprocal Waivers; thus, if you are activated through ARC, you will be able to practice in other states.

Is liability coverage provided? Complete liability protection will be provided by the ARC.

What if I am injured or become ill while deployed with the ARC? All ARC volunteers have access to an on-site nurse for basic health needs. On-site medical staff will treat, stabilize, and refer those individuals with injuries and illnesses sustained beyond their scope of capabilities.

I am interested in volunteering for more intensive patient care. What can I do? Please note that the MRC and ARC are looking to deploy volunteers in specific deployment roles—see the position descriptions for further details. These roles may or may not specifically match volunteers' background and professional experience. MRC volunteers, who are health professionals, will only be expected to provide a very basic level of care.

The MRC program is likely to have another mission soon—to provide staffing support for HHS Federal Medical Contingency Stations. These Medical Stations will require individuals to practice at a higher level of care. MRC volunteers who would rather be matched specifically with their professional background may choose to wait until these further opportunities become available. MRC will provide more information about this second mission soon.

I am a student—can I help? Many MRC units use student volunteers in their local activations. Volunteers will need to respond to and meet the qualifications of the specific ARC-generated position descriptions. Students will need to be 18 years of age and older to be deployed outside their local area.

I am retired—can I help? Many MRC units use retired professionals in their volunteer ranks. Volunteers will need to respond to and meet the qualifications of the specific ARC-generated position descriptions.

I am not a current, credentialed MRC volunteer. Can I send in my application to volunteer with the MRC-ARC activation? No; this volunteer opportunity is only open to current, credentialed MRC volunteers. However, if you are interested in becoming an MRC volunteer, please see the MRC Web site for further information and for your local MRC unit leader’s contact information.

You also may contact your local ARC chapter for volunteer opportunities through the ARC Web site.

I have sent my application for the MRC-ARC volunteer deployment. How long does the application process take? The process typically takes 3–4 days, on average.

Should I contact my local ARC to let them know about my deployment? No. MRC-ARC volunteer processing is done at the national level, not the local level. The local ARC chapter will not have any specific information about the MRC-ARC joint volunteer opportunity. The national ARC will forward volunteer information to local ARC chapters, but this information will only arrive after the volunteer has deployed.

What if I cannot volunteer right away? The ARC will need volunteers for many months, but we ask that you please refrain from sending in your application until you are 1–2 weeks out from your availability date. This will allow us to more efficiently process volunteers according to their availability dates.

How will I know when I have been activated? MRC-ARC will notify you once your paperwork has been completely processed. We will e-mail you a complete pre-deployment packet with the pertinent information you will need to book your travel and travel to your pre-determined destination.

I have been activated. When and how do I schedule my travel? Once you have received your pre-deployment e-mail from MRC, follow the instructions outlined in the pre-deployment packet. Call ARC’s travel agent (BTI) to make your travel reservation as soon as possible. Your applications are being processed in order of availability, so ARC expects you to travel within 2–3 days of receiving your travel authority (TA). Your ARC TA will expire within 4 days, so do not delay in making a travel reservation.

I have a travel reservation, but my flight has not been confirmed. What do I do? ARC has sent thousands of volunteers to the affected areas; therefore, processing is somewhat delayed. Final confirmation of your flight will likely not come through until several hours before your flight departs. If you have not received final confirmation of your flight, you will not have a ticket.

Call BTI to confirm your flight before you depart for the airport. You will not have a paid ticket if you do not have a final confirmation. If you are having ongoing issues with BTI, ask for the name of the travel agent or ask to speak to a manager to check the status of your final confirmation.

I am a licensed health care provider. Will I be able to provide patient care? No. See the position descriptions contained in the MRC-ARC application packet. ARC volunteers are being used for three areas:

Mental health support
Shelter operation support for volunteers with no medical background
Health services—first aid for shelters

Physicians and other health care providers will not be able to provide more than first aid support. If you are a physician, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, nurse, etc., and you would like to provide more direct patient care, this volunteer opportunity may not be an appropriate fit for you.

Who should I contact if I have any questions? If you have any additional questions, you can contact the MRC liaison officer at the American Red Cross Disaster Operations Center by telephone at (202) 303-5644 or via e-mail at hs-mrc@usa.redcross.org.

Application Package Clarifications

Job Descriptions

Mental Health Professionals. Completion of the Disaster Mental Health Training is waived IF the volunteer is a currently licensed mental health professional.
Service Associates (non-clinical role). Service Associates may perform various job duties, including loading and unloading trucks, working in the kitchens, serving food, shelter operations, etc.

Fax Cover Sheet

Ensure to list your earliest travel date/availability, and have the concurrence of your local MRC unit coordinator before faxing your application.

DSHR System Enrollment Application

This form will enroll the volunteer as an ARC volunteer. A DSHR number will be assigned to the volunteer during the paperwork processing at ARC.

Group Affiliation. Leave this section blank.
Red Cross Training. For this mission, the requirement to have taken the Introduction to Disaster Services class has been waived. Volunteers who will be providing patient care must have had CPR and First Aid training. Volunteers have been granted a waiver for having a CURRENT CPR/First Aid certificate.
Life Experience Information. Please complete this section. Write “Not Applicable” if you do not have previous experience.
Red Cross Unit/Chapter Affiliation. Write “Not Applicable” if you do not have previous experience.
If the volunteer does not have previous affiliation with the ARC, then they will not have a DSHR number. Leave this line blank.
Name of person obtaining information. Leave this signature line blank.

Last Updated on 5/13/2009