Monterey County is in the process of establishing a Medical Reserve Corps to let retired and active health workers volunteer during emergencies, natural disasters or disease outbreaks, the Salinas Californian reports.
Jeff Rubin, California Emergency Medical Services Authority's chief of disaster medical services, said 40 other California counties currently have such a corps.
Monterey County's program currently is in planning stages, with eight members on its steering committee and about 30 potential participants.
Jana Donckers, Monterey Health Department's hospital preparedness coordinator, said during the past six months the committee has explored strategies for best assisting the county's existing medical services.
Wendy Walsh, the effort's director, said the group is seeking people with medical training as well as those who can assist with records and logistics (Griffy, Salinas Californian, 6/1).