The Medical Reserve Corps is a national network of volunteers organized into local units. Volunteers are not only medical and public health professionals, but also residents with a wide range of skills who donate their time and expertise to promote healthy living and to prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have helped with public health activities such as the Matter of Balance fall prevention program, Child and Teen Checkups outreach, immunization clinic support, and emergency preparedness exercises.
Become a volunteer
New volunteers are always welcome. To be eligible to volunteer, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Live or work in Dakota County.
You can become a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer by applying online on the Minnesota Responds website or complete a paper registration form and send it to:
Dakota County Public Health Department
Re: Susan Erickson
1 Mendota Road, Suite 410
West St. Paul, MN 55118
Once you apply, we will contact you with directions for completing the registration process. This includes completing an online background check and two short online trainings.
If you have questions about volunteering, contact Susan Erickson at susan.erickson@co.dakota.mn.us or 651-554-6138.
Free STOP THE BLEED Training and Kits for Dakota County Schools
Emergencies can happen in an instant and school staff may be the first on the scene. STOP THE BLEED trainings provide hands-on skills to treat severe bleeding injuries. This training saves lives.
STOP THE BLEED was developed by the American College of Surgeons in response to the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary. It is one of the nation's largest public health campaigns with the aim to save lives by teaching everyone, no matter their background in health or first aid, to recognize and stop traumatic bleeding.
Dakota County offers trainings that are:
- Free to all K-12 schools (public and private) in Dakota County.
- Ideal for all school staff, especially nurses, school safety teams, administrators and coaches.
- 60-90 minutes and include hands-on learning.
- Taught by registered STOP THE BLEED instructors. All training materials provided.
- Provided to group sizes up to 20 people. On request, trainers can accommodate up to 50 people.
Watch a news story about Dakota County's Stop the Bleed training partnership with local schools.
Participating schools receive a free STOP THE BLEED kit. Kits include gloves, tourniquets, gauze and additional supplies.
To schedule a training, fill out Training Request form. If you have questions, email mrc@co.dakota.mn.us.