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Training Resources for MRC and Other Volunteer Organizations
Topic Collection
September 30, 2026

Topic Collection: Training Resources for MRC and Other Volunteer Organizations

A disaster or mass casualty incident often leads to a surge in volunteers eager to help their communities (and local healthcare facilities) recover and rebuild. In some areas of the country, organizations like the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), the American Red Cross, and National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters help streamline the process and provide tailored assistance to affected communities. In other areas, volunteers spontaneously report to fire, emergency medical services, healthcare facilities, blood banks, and other organizations. Stakeholders and individual volunteers can use the training resources in this Topic Collection to learn more about areas in which there is often a need for voluntary assistance. The resources were primarily curated through a review of MRC training courses, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention courses, and those included in related ASPR TRACIE Collections.

MRC is a national network of 268,000 dedicated volunteers, organized in more than 700 units to improve the health and safety of their communities. MRC recruits, trains, and activates volunteers to respond to community health and safety needs during emergencies. In 2024 alone, MRC volunteers dedicated over 300,000 hours of service across the nation. In early 2026, ASPR TRACIE and MRC announced a new partnership to provide MRC units and volunteers with quick access to planning, operational, and training/educational resources. To learn more about MRC and locate a unit near you, visit their website and click on “MRC Unit Locator.”

Have a training resource for us to consider adding or other feedback? This is an evolving Collection, and we encourage you to reach out via email (askasprtracie@hhs.gov) or phone (1-844-587-2243). Each resource in this Topic Collection is placed into one or more of the following categories (click on the category name to be taken directly to that set of resources). Resources marked with an asterisk (*) appear in more than one category.

Each resource in this Topic Collection is placed into one or more of the following categories (click on the category name to be taken directly to that set of resources). Resources marked with an asterisk (*) appear in more than one category.

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Animal Care

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2015). IS-10.A: Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness. (Free with registration.)
This course can help animal owners and care providers learn more about disaster preparedness and response and how "typical" hazards affect animals.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2015). IS-11.A: Animals in Disasters: Community Planning. (Free with registration.)
This course can help emergency management planners, animal owners, and animal care providers develop a plan for handling animals after a disaster.
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Indiana State Board of Animal Health. (2024). Animal Issues in Disasters Course.
This course for veterinarians, animal shelter workers, livestock owners, and first responders provides information on how to evacuate and care for animals during disasters. It includes sections on planning for animals, basics of response, animal health emergencies, and sheltering during disasters.
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Kansas Division of Emergency Management. (2025). Animal Decontamination Virtual Series: Animal Decontamination Part 1.
This recoded session is designed to familiarize responders with the process of animal decontamination in the event of a natural or man-made disaster. Material presented will be based on the National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs (NASAAEP) Animal Decontamination best practice workgroup white paper; and lessons-learned from recent military decontamination exercises that involved people and pets. Access Part 2 here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10mVK97IqlbHJtq6-duwSdmJdl2tyeid1/view
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Kansas Division of Emergency Management. (2025). Animal First Aid and CPR.
This interactive online course provides pet owners, animal caregivers, and emergency responders with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond to common animal medical emergencies. The class covers life-threatening conditions including heat stroke, hypothermia, and frostbite, with step-by-step guidance on prevention, recognition, and immediate care. Students will also be introduced to safe handling practices, including how to properly restrain and lift animals to minimize stress and prevent injury during examinations and transport. Finally, the course includes essential instruction and demonstration on performing CPR on animals to help people stabilize an animal’s condition until professional veterinary care is available.
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Kansas Division of Emergency Management. (2025). Small Animal Handling, Triage, and Decontamination Demonstration.
This 90-minute virtual course introduces responders to the fundamentals of working safely and effectively with companion animals during disasters. Participants will learn basic companion animal behavior and low-stress handling, basic triage for assessing and prioritizing care, and procedures for companion animal decontamination following exposure to hazardous materials or disaster-related contaminants.
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National Agricultural Library. (n.d.). Disaster Planning with Animals. (Accessed 9/30/2026.) U.S. Department of Agriculture.
This webpage provides information on developing disaster plans for facilities that house animals (e.g., farms, research and teaching institutions, zoos, and aquariums). It includes links to training modules on animals in disaster training and disaster best practices developed by the National Alliance of State Animal and Agricultural Emergency Programs.
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Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. (2026). FURst Aid.
Oregon State University’s team at the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine provides related training and education to veterinary students. This webpage includes information on previous and upcoming seminars and other resources on animal first aid and care.
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Behavioral Health

ASPR TRACIE. (2019). Disaster Behavioral Health Self Care for Healthcare Workers Modules.
These modules can be used by front-line healthcare, social services workers, volunteers, and responders prior to a disaster to recognize and reduce their stress levels and maintain resilience during recovery. These modules are designed for healthcare workers in all settings, but primarily hospital-based providers.
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Central Oregon Community College. (2025). Mental Health 101.
This learning series provides an overview of Mental Health with focuses on the brain, being trauma-informed, and well-being and self-care. It includes three half-hour modules: The Brain, Superpowers and Language, Being Trauma-Informed, and Well-being, Communication and Self-care.
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Chandra, A. and Acosta, J. (2013). Building Resilient Communities: An Online Training. RAND Corporation.
This course is geared towards community organizations (including healthcare agencies) and can help them understand and strengthen resilience. Materials include checklists, action lists, transcripts, and other support files. The two basic modules take about an hour each to complete.
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Kansas Medical Reserve Corps and Wichita State University Community Engagement Institute. (n.d.). Disaster Psychology Awareness for Volunteer Responders. (Accessed 9/30/2026.)
This course provides an overview of the science of stress, some of the foundations beneath psychological response models, and provides practical strategies for making connections with survivors to support their safety and well-being in the early aftermath of a crisis.
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National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (2022). Psychological First Aid Online.
This online course can help disaster responders learn about psychological first aid and includes mentor tips, activities, and video demonstrations. Links to related resources and a Learning Community are included.
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Prepare Iowa. (2013). Effect of Disasters on Mental Health: Awareness Level. (Free registration required.)
This course is designed for those who come into contact with disaster survivors, including first responders and healthcare providers. It is designed to help these professionals learn more about the effects of disaster-related trauma, and includes practice exercises and review questions.
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Prepare Iowa. (2013). Effect of Disasters on Mental Health: Technical Level. (Prerequisite: Effect of Disasters on Mental Health: Awareness Level. Free registration required.)
This course is designed for those who come into contact with disaster survivors, including first responders and healthcare providers. Participants will learn more about assessment and intervention both right after a disaster and in the weeks and months afterwards. A module on cultural awareness is also provided.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Protecting Your Physical and Mental Health: Before, During, and After a Disaster. (Free registration required.)
Participants will learn more about the possible physical effects of a disaster (specifically hurricanes); the various potential negative behavioral health effects of a disaster; how to strengthen employee resilience through preparedness activities for themselves and for their families; and methods/activities that can help mitigate the physical and mental health effects of disasters.
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University of Minnesota. (2024). Psychological First Aid: A Minnesota Community Supported Model. (Free registration required)
This course provides an overview of the concepts and applications of Psychological First Aid and is intended for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, hospital personnel, disaster responders, and first-responders.
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Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2025). Psychological First Aid Overview for MRC Volunteers.
The speakers provide an overview of PFA and the eight core actions that can help volunteers provide assistance to community members experiencing distress during or after a disaster.
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Community Considerations

Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. (2019). HHS/ASPR Access and Functional Needs (AFN) Web-Based Training. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The HHS/ASPR Access and Functional Needs (AFN) web-based training defines the concept and requirements for addressing people with disabilities, and provides tools and resources to help professionals incorporated related concepts into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2016). IS-505: Religious and Cultural Literacy and Competency in Disaster.
The course provides emergency management professionals and faith and community leaders active in disaster with the religious literacy and competency tools needed to learn how to effectively engage religious and cultural groups and their leaders throughout the disaster lifecycle.
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ReadySanDiego. (n.d.). First Responder Access and Functional Needs Training Series. (Accessed 9/30/2026.)
This series of 8 short training videos was produced by the County of San Diego Office of Emergency Services. While created for first responders, the information in these videos on interacting with individuals with access and functional needs may be helpful to public health planners and healthcare personnel.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Cultural Competency for Community Management of Special Needs Patients in Disaster. (Free registration required.)
Disasters can affect a community’s physical and social infrastructure, exposing vulnerabilities, especially among community members with special needs. This course can help disaster responders understand related challenges and communicate with various community populations in culturally competent ways.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Supporting Children in Times of Crisis. (Free registration required.)
Children are particularly vulnerable in times of crisis, whether they are personally affected or exposed to traumatic circumstances through the media. children’s emotional well-being as much as their physical safety. This course provides information on how to support family and children’s emotional well-being and physical safety during and after a crisis.
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Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2022). MRC Statewide Access & Functional Needs Training.
Speakers in this webinar cover general considerations for people with access and functional needs during an emergency and discuss how MRC volunteers can help these community members during an incident.
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Wisconsin Center for Public Health Education and Training. (n.d.). Introduction to Cultural Competency and Humility. (Accessed 9/30/2026.)
This module provides a basic foundation in the philosophy, values, and conceptual frameworks of cultural competence and cultural humility and teaches responders the skills necessary to work effectively across diverse cultures.
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Environmental Hazards

Gillings School of Global Public Health. (2020). Extreme Heat & Air Quality: Implications for Human Health. (Free registration required.) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
This evidence-based and subject matter expert reviewed training aims to inform health care and public health staff about how extreme heat can worsen air pollution. Learning objectives include defining extreme heat, understanding how heat waves impact air quality, identifying populations vulnerable to these environmental factors, and learning how communities can reduce air pollution during extreme heat.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Environmental Health Issues in Disasters. (Free registration required.)
Upon completion of this course, the student will be proficient in the knowledge, theory, planning and application of each of the following fields of environmental health before, during and after a disaster: water quality, wastewater and sewage treatment, food safety, rodents and insects, debris and hazardous waste, and indoor and outdoor air quality.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2026). Vector Control for Environmental Health Professionals: The Importance of Integrated Pest Management (VCEHP). (Accessed 9/30/2026; free registration required.)
This curriculum contains 11on-line modules ranging from “Vector-Borne Diseases of Public Health Importance” to those that cover tick and mosquito biology and control and rodent management
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Evacuation and Sheltering

Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. (2023). IPC for Shelters During Disasters.
Disaster planners and volunteer organizations can use the information on this webpage to learn more about infection prevention control in shelters. Links to a guide and two related posters are included.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2023). Operating a Shelter.
This 5-hour web-based course instructs community agencies (e.g., MRC units, non-profit and faith-based groups) how to increase readiness for shelter site management and congregate shelter operations and provides best practices and common methodology.
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Minnesota Department of Health. (n.d.). Healthcare Facility Training Matrix for Sheltering, Relocation, and Evacuation. (Accessed 9/30/2026.)
This PowerPoint presentation explains how the Minnesota Department of Health trains staff in sheltering, relocation, and evacuation. Staff are placed into one of three categories (all staff, operations, or command staff) and the training is tailored to these groups. A sheltering, relocating, and evacuation decision tree is also included.
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Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2024). Disaster Shelter Fundamentals Training for Local Health Districts.
The speaker in this webinar highlights roles and responsibilities of staff deployed to work in shelters during and after an incident, with a focus on pre-deployment considerations and expectations for deployment (e.g., austere conditions, limited internet services, and long shifts).
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First Aid and Triage

Accessible Emergency Information. (2009). Basic First Aid.
These courses are provided in accessible formats and cover basic first aid. Access Part 2 (First Aid Supplies) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7UYj6QVpr0&, Part 3 (Household Chemical Emergencies) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0-cqa2X54E , and Part 4 (Accidental Poisoning) here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fp-CLBK5M8
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American College of Surgeons. (2026). ACS Stop the Bleed.
This webpage highlights the national campaign and related courses that provide individuals with the ability to “act quickly and save lives” before emergency medical providers arrive on the scene. Students can search for related in-person trainings here: https://cms.bleedingcontrol.org/class/search.
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Arlington County Public Safety Communications & Emergency Management. (2023). Until Help Arrives Course.
This webpage includes links to 5-minute skills videos, lecture videos, and related resources on situational awareness, injury management (e.g., controlling bleeding, keeping airways open), and psychological support.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2025). IS-907: Active Shooter: What You Can Do.
This course was written for non-law enforcement employees and provides information on actions they can take should they be confronted with an active shooter situation.
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National Disaster Life Support Foundation. (2025). SALT Mass Casualty Triage On-Line Training.
The National Disaster Life Support Foundation developed this SALT (sort, assess, life-saving interventions, treatment and/or transport) training program for first responders working on a mass casualty incident. This on-line training program consists of a 22-minute video, links to articles on SALT Mass Casualty Triage, and a downloadable PowerPoint set for teaching SALT Triage to others. The program concludes with a short (five question) quiz that participants can take and receive a certificate once complete.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Mass Casualty Incident Triage.
This course is intended for pre-hospital care providers and firefighters who may be called on to respond to a mass casualty incident with large numbers of injured victims or people exposed to hazardous materials. The course will prepare trainees to use the Simple Triage and Rapid Treatment (START) system, Incident Management System (IMS) and the FEMA Job-Aid in order to respond with maximum effectiveness to a mass casualty event.
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Incident Command

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2018). IS-100.C: Introduction to the Incident Command System, ICS 100.
After completing this online course, students will be familiar with the principles and features of the Incident Command System, including organizational elements, positions and responsibilities, facilities and functions, and planning.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2018). IS-700.B: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System.
This course introduces and overviews the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS provides a consistent nationwide template to enable all government, private-sector, and nongovernmental organizations to work together during domestic incidents.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2018). IS-800.C: National Response Framework, an Introduction.
This three-hour course provides an overview of the National Response Framework.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2019). IS-200.C: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response.
This course reviews the Incident Command System (ICS), provides the context for ICS within initial response, and supports higher level ICS training. It provides training on, and resources for, personnel who are likely to assume a supervisory position within ICS.
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University of Minnesota. (2024). NIMS (National Incident Management System) and ICS (Incident Command System): A Primer for Staff and Volunteers. (Free registration required.)
This training provides an initial orientation to the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) for individuals who plan to volunteer during an emergency or disaster. The course is designed to help volunteers understand the standardized organizational structure and communication system they are likely to encounter while responding to a crisis. Additionally, this training can serve as a 'just in time' review of these basic principles.
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Infectious Disease

* Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps. (2024). Personal Protection Equipment Training Videos.
This webpage features links to two short videos on donning and doffing personal protective equipment.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Project Firstline: Training and Educational Materials.
These courses are geared towards infection control, cater to various learning styles, and range from five to 30 minutes in length.
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Midwestern Public Health Training Center. (2023). Basic Epidemiology: Infectious Disease. (Free registration required.)
The course offers an opportunity to learn how an epidemiologist investigates the causes of disease, its distribution, how it spreads, and measures for control and prevention.
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National Association of City and County Health Officials. (2026). Infection Prevention and Control Resource Library.
Selecting “training plan” and/or “training and education” when searching this library will generate a list of related courses in infection prevention and control.
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North Carolina Public Health Training Network. (2025). Infectious Disease Control, Part 1: Introduction.
This course provides an overview of the history of major infectious disease pandemics, including how risky behaviors, overuse of antibiotics, and global migration increase infectious disease threats.
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Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. (2018). Introduction to Public Health Surveillance.
Surveillance is a key function of public health, but what does it mean? This module introduces public health surveillance concepts and principles for public health workers who have little or no prior training in epidemiology. You'll learn about surveillance systems in local, state, and national public health practice and how these important systems are used in tracking diseases and other public health threats.
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Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2025). Basics of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Standard for the Healthcare Setting.
This self-study course provides an overview of bloodborne pathogen safety and the role of healthcare staff in preventing the spread of infections to themselves, colleagues and patients. Intended audiences are clinical staff in the inpatient setting including acute care, long term care and inpatient rehabilitation. It contains non-graded knowledge checks so learners can interact with the content. Estimated course duration is 20 to 25 minutes. The course may be taken in more than one sitting.
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* Office of Medical Reserve Corps. (2026). MRC D-SAFE Asynchronous Training. (Free registration needed.)
These sessions address a variety of emerging pathogens, particularly high consequence infectious diseases, and provides an overview of the pathogen and related current scientific information, and actions MRC volunteers can take to help prevent, mitigate, and manage local outbreaks.
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Public Health Foundation. (n.d.). Disease Intervention Training Plan with Outbreak Response. (Accessed 9/30/2026; free registration required.)
This comprehensive set (approximately 131 hours to complete) of courses are for providers who conduct all aspects of STD/HIV Disease Intervention Services. This training plan provides comprehensive information on the skills and information necessary for staff to provide Disease Intervention (DI) services, technical assistance, capacity building, and outbreak response activities to state, territorial, local, and tribal jurisdictions. Topics include Foundations of Public Health, Communication Skills, Cross Cultural Competence, Partner Services Training Modules, Disease Investigation, Outbreak Readiness and Response, and Professional Development for Public Health Leaders.
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Public Health Foundation. (2025). Measles Training Plan for Healthcare and Public Health Professional. (Free registration required.)
Courses in this training plan cover key areas such as general measles education, guidance on responding to measles outbreaks, and strategies for countering misinformation about measles and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Learning Center. (2021). Bioterrorism Preparedness: Infectious Disease Prevention and Control. (Free registration required.)
This course introduces the fundamentals of infectious disease prevention and control and provides information on related tools.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Bioterrorism Preparedness: Principles of Emerging Infectious Diseases. (Free registration required.)
Infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and malaria, once close to elimination, have re-emerged and pose major public health challenges. This course is an introduction to the principles of infectious diseases and has been designed to introduce the fundamentals of infectious diseases to public health professionals.
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* Sorenson, A. (2024). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Donning and Doffing. Region 8 Mountain Plains Regional Disaster Health Response System.
The speaker provides an overview of personal protective equipment and how to safely don and remove it.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Public Health Emergency Law Online Training. (Free registration required.)
These three 40-minute units (introduction to emergency management systems preparedness and response; emergency powers specific to personnel; and emergency powers specific to property and supplies) can help planners make informed legal decisions before, during, and after public health emergencies.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Ethics and Public Health: How Public Health Reacts Ethically in a Disaster. (Free registration required.)
The course reviews the ethical principles that can be applied within the context of a disaster to allow responders to make correct and timely decisions within the disaster, balancing the concepts of doing the most good for the most people while employing a fair and equitable, yet compassionate process.
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University of Washington, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice. (2014). Legal Aspects of Public Health Emergency Preparedness. (Free registration required.)
This 1.5-hour course (while dated) provides a general overview of public health law in emergency preparedness. Legal questions relating to the use of medical or public health volunteers during emergencies are addressed.
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MRC Basics

Medical Reserve Corps of Illinois. (2024). Illinois MRC 101 for Volunteers. (Free registration required.)
This course provides an overview of the national MRC program, the MRC in Illiniois, training and competencies, and volunteer expectations. It can also serve as an example for other states.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2019). Developing Volunteer Capabilities and Baseline Training Standards.
This document provides information on Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) core competencies and their four learning paths, eLearning for MRC volunteers, and the MRC training plan on the web platform MRC-TRAIN. These core competencies define the baseline level of knowledge and skills for all MRC volunteers.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2021). Building Community Partnerships.
In this course, unit leaders will learn how to establish and maintain community partnerships and apply the Adaptive Leadership Stakeholder Mapping tool to build stronger, more effective partnerships.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2021). Developing MRC Unit Leadership.
This course is intended to aid MRC unit leaders, volunteers serving in a leadership role, and others who are engaged in the planning, development, and execution of an MRC unit. This course will guide MRC unit leadership through structural development, organization, and risk management implementation so that units are able to successfully fulfill their assigned missions.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2021). Developing MRC Unit Training Plans.
This course can help unit leaders: assess unit response capabilities and training requirements to support the community served; build a unit training plan to support the MRC unit mission; find training resources to support an MRC training plan; identify different training formats available to meet goals; describe the importance of tracking volunteer training; and explain how to evaluate the effectiveness of training.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2021). Developing Unit Administrative Requirements.
This course teaches unit leaders how to: identify financial needs and funding sources; develop policies and procedures for unit administration; develop and implement strategies for risk management; and develop and implement a strategic plan or road map.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2021). MRC Unit Leader Responsibilities and Resources.
Unit leaders will learn how to: describe MRC Factors for Success and how to use these factors to guide and gauge the development of an MRC unit; articulate the key responsibilities of unit leaders that were not covered in other courses in this series; and use the MRC Deployment Readiness Guide (DRG) to develop the capabilities of MRC volunteers.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2021). MRC Volunteer Management.
This course teaches unit leaders how to: tailor a volunteer management framework to an MRC unit’s mission; identify factors to consider in developing an MRC unit’s composition; apply recruitment, retention, and recognition strategies; develop a communication plan; and use CDC’s PHEP Capability 15: Volunteer Management when coordinating with local emergency and public health planners.
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National Association of County and City Health Officials. (2022). MRC Unit Leader Training: Responsibilities and Resources Toolkit. (Free registration required.)
This course is intended for MRC unit leaders, volunteers serving in a leadership role, or others that are engaged in the planning, development, and execution of an MRC unit. This course provides an overview of MRC unit leaders' overall responsibilities and provides additional resources to help them succeed.
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National Center for Disaster Medicine and Public Health. (n.d.). Disaster Health Core Curriculum. (Accessed 9/30/2026.)
This course consists of 11 online training modules covering a variety of disaster health topics (i.e., "core competencies") that have since been adopted by domestic and international response organizations, including the Medical Reserve Corps.
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Mass Distribution and Dispensing/Administration of Medical Countermeasures

Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. (n.d.). SNS Materiel Management Considerations. (Accessed 9/30/2026; free registration required.)
The purpose of this course is to train participants how to successfully respond during an emergency requiring the receipt and distribution of large quantities of medical materiel to points of dispensing (PODS), treatment centers, or other points of care, often in rapid timeframes and in the specific configurations the receiving site can manage.
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DelValle Institute Learning Center. (2020). Mass Dispensing Clinic: Just-In-Time Training (JITT). (Free registration required.)
This 10-minute online module provides an overview of the purpose and functions of a typical Mass Dispensing Clinic. By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify the standard stations and supporting functions required to operate a Mass Dispensing Clinic, and describe how the Incident Command System (ICS) is used to organize staff.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (n.d.). Integrating Infection Prevention and Control Science into POD-based Planning. (Free registration required.)
The primary goal of this course is to increase awareness and integration of infection prevention and control (IPC) principles and environmental health and exposure sciences into rapid dispensing operations of any available medical countermeasure.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Establishing Closed PODs: An Overview of Recruitment, Training and Operational Matters. (Free registration required.)
During a public health emergency that requires medical prophylaxis for a significant number of residents within 48 hours, healthcare entities will call upon their employees to work. Closed Points of Dispensing (POD) sites can provide prophylaxis for staff and their loved ones; this course provides an overview of these sites, the Strategic National Stockpile, administrative processes associated with Closed PODS, and related promising practices.
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Southwest Utah Public Health. (2025). Point of Dispense (POD) Training.
This short video was created for Medical Reserve Corps volunteers and highlights critical roles, responsibilities, and procedures involved in operating and supporting a point of distribution during public health emergencies.
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University of Minnesota. (2024). PUBH X322 - Online: PODs (Points of Dispensing): Public Health Training for Staff and Volunteers.
This course (online and self-paced) was designed to supplement just-in-time training and provides a general overview of points of dispensing (PODs) and the roles that staff and volunteers can play to ensure PODs run smoothly. It also includes information on the Strategic National Stockpile in emergency response, dispensing site design and flow, and positions which should be filled for POD operations.
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Virginia Department of Health, Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2022). Introduction to PODs.
This video covers points of distribution (PODs), when they are needed, the importance and role of volunteers, PODs and incident command, and the after-action process.
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Western Kentucky Medical Reserve Corps. (2024). MRC POD Training Video 2024.
This brief video describes mass dispensing efforts, points of dispensing, and related roles and tasks for select unit members.
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Mass Gatherings

Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2013). IS-15.B: Special Events Contingency Planning for Public Safety Agencies.
This web-based course teaches first responders about pre-event planning, forming the planning team, event hazard analysis, and responding to incidents during special events in their community.
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Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service. (2025). Sports and Special Events Incident Management.
This 16-hour course is offered around the U.S. to emergency responders and others involved in planning for sport/special event management. Topics include incident management, multi-disciplinary management, and planning and after-action reporting.
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Wolin, J. and Friedman, M. (2023). EMS Mass Gatherings. StatPearls [Internet].
This online activity describes key principles of preparation and delivery of medical care during mass gathering events, with a focus on collaboration between the medical director, emergency medical services, event organizers, and local government resources. Participants will learn more about specific roles, transport options, documentation, and how the Incident Command System can ensure a more organized response.
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Natural Disasters

ASPR TRACIE. (2024). Natural Disasters Topic Collection. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Preparedness and Response.
The resources in this Topic Collection highlight lessons learned from recent events, communication tools and information, and educational tools, checklists, plans, tools, and templates that can be modified to suit specific threats and needs.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Management Institute. (2013). IS-324.A: Community Hurricane Preparedness.
This 10-hour course is targeted to those involved in the decision-making process for hurricanes and includes basic information about: how hurricanes form and the hazards they pose; how the National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts future hurricane behavior; and what tools and guiding principles can help emergency managers prepare their communities.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). After the Hurricane Potential Hazards and Disaster Recovery. (Free registration required.)
This course teaches students how to safely perform disaster recovery response after a hurricane or flood; identify potential hazards encountered when returning after a hurricane or flood; describe the protective equipment that should be used during disaster recovery; and other general hurricane recovery safety tips.
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* Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Communicating to the Public During a Hurricane or Other Disaster. (Free registration required.)
Students will learn about the basics and importance of communication during disaster and how to use traditional and social media in crisis communications.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Heat-Related Illness - Risk Factors, Types & Prevention. (Free registration required.)
Participants will learn about preventing, identifying, recognizing, and treating heat stress and heat-related illness.
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Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2024). Hurricane Preparedness for MRC Volunteers.
Several speakers from Virginia describe the impact of several hurricanes, list reliable sources of information, and explain the variables that contribute to and are affected by evacuation. They also highlight what MRC volunteers can do before, during, and after a storm to help community members stay as safe, healthy, and resilient as possible.
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Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2025). Cold Weather Safety for MRC Volunteers.
The speakers in this webinar describe lessons learned from a recent winter storm, identify key MRC and public health roles during winter emergencies, and highlight best practices for community response and coordination.
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Opioid Resources

Nelson, L. (2022). The Opioid Crisis 2022: Focus on Fentanyl. Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine.
Fentanyl and its analogs have important pharmacological, clinical, social, and economic characteristics that explain why, despite excellent treatment options, the end of the crisis remains out of sight.
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Office of Medical Reserve Corps. (2026). Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone Administration Training (NON CE). (Free registration required.)
This comprehensive program equips participants with essential knowledge and skills to address the opioid epidemic. It covers understanding the opioid crisis, recognizing, and responding to overdoses, and administering naloxone, with practical demonstrations to build confidence. Participants receive certification, and resources for obtaining naloxone.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Tribal Behavioral Health 103: The Opioid Epidemic and American Indian/Alaska Native Communities.
This course provides information about how the opioid epidemic specifically impacts tribal or American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities and the types of treatment for opioid misuse.
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Utah Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Naloxone for Opioid Overdose 101. (Accessed 9/30/2026.)
This training (available in English and Spanish) describes what opioids are and how they work, the signs of an opioid overdose, what naloxone is and how it works, when and how to use naloxone and Utah laws related to naloxone.
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Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2022). REVIVE! Virginia’s Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education Program.
This webinar covers the Revive program and related legislation; explains addiction, overdose emergencies, and how to recognize them; describes how naloxone works; and instructs how to administer naloxone and manage an overdose emergency.
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Western Region Public Health Training Center. (2018). Opioid Use, Abuse, and Solutions. (Free registration necessary.)
Participants will learn about trends in opioid use, dependence, and abuse; related psychosocial and pharmacologic treatment options; and state-specific (Hawai’i) services are available for opioid dependent clients. While specific to one state, the information can be tailored and applied to suit MRC units/volunteers in other states.
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Radiation/Nuclear Issues

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Training, Education, and Tools. (Accessed 5/20/2026.)
These web-based tools and trainings teach emergency healthcare planners, volunteers, and healthcare providers how to communicate, manage community reception centers, and conduct population monitoring after a mass casualty radiation emergency.
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Region VII Disaster Health Response Eco System. (2024). Radiation Just-In-Time-Training (JITT).
This series of 10 short videos teaches volunteers the basics of identifying and responding to a radiation incident. It includes videos on using dosimeters, reading meters, and using a portal monitor.
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Virginia Department of Health Office of Emergency Preparedness. (2024). Radiological Health Overview for MRC Volunteers.
This webinar provides an overview of what the Office of Radiological Health does, different types of radiation, important terminology, types of exposure, protecting responders, local health department role in a radiological emergency, emergency classification level, and nuclear power plant emergencies.
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Responder Safety and Health

* Appalachian Medical Reserve Corps. (2024). Personal Protection Equipment Training Videos.
This webpage features links to two short videos on donning and doffing personal protective equipment.
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Mid-America Regional Council. (2011). Training for Volunteers in Disaster Shelters: Universal Precautions.
This video provides instructions on hand washing and glove doffing, and related precautions MRC members can use while volunteering in disaster shelters and other medical scenarios.
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* Office of Medical Reserve Corps. (2026). MRC D-SAFE Asynchronous Training. (Free registration needed.)
These sessions address a variety of emerging pathogens, particularly high consequence infectious diseases, and provides an overview of the pathogen and related current scientific information, and actions MRC volunteers can take to help prevent, mitigate, and manage local outbreaks.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (n.d.). Disaster Responder Health and Safety. (Accessed 9/30/2026; free registration required.)
This six-module training provides an overview of responder health and safety as it relates to injury prevention and mitigation, debris and related hazards, environmental health hazards, water and vector-borne hazards, sanitation and hygiene, and stress.
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* Sorenson, A. (2024). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Donning and Doffing. Region 8 Mountain Plains Regional Disaster Health Response System.
The speaker provides an overview of personal protective equipment and how to safely don and remove it.
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Risk Communications/Social Media

American Hospital Association. (n.d.). Strengthening Risk Communications in Rural Health Care Emergency Management. (Free registration required; accessed 9/30/2026.)
This podcast episode is from the American Hospital Association’s ADVANCING HEALTH podcast. A speaker from Phelps Health (Missouri) shares strategies for successful risk communication in times of crisis, particularly in rural settings.
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Center for Health Security. (2024). TRUST Video Series. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
This video series provides a curriculum for healthcare and public health professionals to build trust during a public health emergency and in an environment of misinformation. The videos introduce the TRUST in public health website, provide information on tackling rumors, and cover the 4 I Fact Model developed by the Center for Health Security.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC).
This website hosts the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's crisis and emergency risk communication training modules, resources, shared learning materials (e.g., case studies), and social media links.
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Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2021). IS-42: Social Media in Emergency Management.
This interactive, web-based course covers best practices, tools, techniques, and a basic roadmap that can help participants in emergency management build their social media capabilities.
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* Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Communicating to the Public During a Hurricane or Other Disaster. (Free registration required.)
Students will learn about the basics and importance of communication during disaster and how to use traditional and social media in crisis communications.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). Risk Communication in Public Health Emergencies. (Free registration required.)
This hands-on, case-study-based course on risk communication theory and practice highlights theory and concepts in the context of extensive examples and practice problems interspersed throughout the lectures. By the end of this course, the participant will have learned and practiced a variety of tools in the formation of risk communication messages.
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Region 6 South Central Public Health Training Center. (2021). The Role of Health Literacy in Disaster Preparedness. (Free registration required.)
This course discusses risk communication in emergency preparedness situations such as disasters and crises. It describes how to use communications to offset threats that people experience in these situations. Common patterns such as information processing, values and emotions, as well as systems and environments are discussed. Also discussed are strategies for dealing with the media, constructing a message using the 27/9/3 rule of communication, perceptual congruence, visuals, language, anchors and framing.
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This ASPR TRACIE/OMRC Volunteer Training Topic Collection was reviewed in August 2026 by the following subject matter experts (listed alphabetically): Dr. Michele M. Donoghue DEM, ENPC, FNPC, MSc, MSN; Jennifer Kraft, BS, CVA, Kansas MRC Program Manager, Kansas Department of Health and Environment; Veronica Moody, Executive Director, Rocky Mountain MR; Therese Quinn, BA, Consultant; and staff from the OMRC.
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