Bay Area Medical Reserve Corps

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Volunteer health care and non-medical professionals presently have an opportunity to assist in disaster preparedness and response, and have the satisfaction of helping their own community. The main area of our focus is to draw and train such professionals into this volunteer service and create a framework to match their response skills with the community's needs.

The Bay Area Medical Reserve Corps is currently seeking volunteers to help administer the Lean on Me program.

Background: The Lean on Me program was developed through the Okaloosa-Walton MRC a few years ago and they are now mentoring other MRC’s through the adoption & implementation process. The Lean on Me program is geared towards the 65+ population, but is open to other vulnerable populations. During COVID we saw how large our 65+ population really was and how much help they actually need. Trained volunteers provide in-home consultations to help create a plan for evacuation in case of a natural disaster (hurricane/fire), man-made disaster, pandemic outbreak etc. Clients will receive a weather radio, flashlight, first aid kit, information packets, and a container to store their supplies in and add to it. While in the home volunteers will be able to identify other needs that we can relay to partners for additional assistance. For example, if the client needs smoke detectors, we would work with partners such as the Red Cross and local Fire Departments to provide and install as needed. Lean on Me team members are part of the Bay Area Medical Reserve Corps. Team members are trained to provide guidance on disaster preparedness and aiding vulnerable clients through education. Team members will also assist the client with registering for the Special Needs Shelter Registry and consider transportation arrangements as appropriate.

The Bay Area Medical Reserve Corps will provide Lean on Me appointments FREE to local residents.

The Lean on Me projects mission is to empower older adults including those with low incomes and/or disabilities to effectively prepare for and respond to emergencies.

Our Goal

Provide the training and resources necessary for clients to:

• Identify and mitigate factors that negatively influence their preparedness and response
• Make a disaster plan
• Receive timely notifications
• Request assistance when required
• Share information on local resources
• Safely maintain their independence