Are you a Licensed Health Professional who would like to volunteer and support a disaster response?

Disaster Health Services Volunteer

Are you a licensed health professional ready to make a powerful impact when communities need you most? As a Disaster Health Services Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our Regional Disaster Cycle Services (DCS) team by delivering compassionate, hands‑on care to individuals and families affected by disasters. This temporary, in‑person role allows you to use your clinical expertise to support shelter residents and help communities recover during hurricane and wildfire season and other major disaster responses.

Location

Western New York Region Training is completed virtually; response work is in person.

What You’ll Do

You’ll be a trusted health resource for shelter residents, providing care, comfort, and guidance during challenging moments. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with activities of daily living
• Providing basic wound care and first aid
• Supporting incontinence care and functional/access needs
• Conducting health assessments and offering health education
• Helping determine when higher‑level care is needed
• Assisting clients in replacing medications, durable medical equipment, and essential supplies
• Advocating for client needs while collaborating closely with the Disaster Health Services Supervisor
• Supporting maternal and child health needs, when appropriate
• Completing required virtual self‑paced and instructor‑led training (approximately 9 hours total)

Training & Support

You’ll receive the training, tools, and guidance needed to feel confident and prepared. Please review the Disaster Responder Training Requirements for current details.

Grow With Us

Volunteers interested in expanding their impact can grow into leadership roles, including Disaster Health Services Supervisor. Your service today can become a pathway to long‑term leadership within DCS.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Current, unencumbered license in one of the following professions:
  • RN, LPN, LVN
  • EMT or Paramedic
  • MD, DO
  • PA, NP, APRN
• Willing and able to volunteer in person in a disaster shelter before, during, and/or after disaster events at least one event every 6 months.
• Valid Driver’s License (required for Divisional and National deployments)