Other Organizations & Resources
The California Medical Volunteers
If you're a licensed health professional with an active license, or a member of a medical disaster response team in California who would like to volunteer for disaster service, visit the California Medical Volunteer Site, a secure, confidential Web site to register with the State of California for volunteer emergency/disaster service.
During the on-line registration process, you will be asked to enter information regarding your license (if applicable), the best way to contact you, and other relevant background information.
Once you've registered, your credentials will be validated - before an emergency - so that you can be deployed quickly and efficiently. Your information will only be viewed by authorized system managers. During a State or national disaster, (e.g., an earthquake, severe weather event, or public health emergency), this system will be accessed by authorized medical/health officials at the State Emergency Operations Center or your county. If a decision is made to request your service, you will be contacted using the information you enter on the site. If you agree to deploy, your information will be forwarded to the appropriate field operation officials.
Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster
CaliforniaVolunteers works with the state’s Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) to develop and implement statewide initiatives and programs to enhance their ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies and disasters.
National VOAD (NVOAD) coordinates planning efforts by many voluntary organizations responding to disaster. NVOAD member organizations provide more effective service and less duplication during times of disaster by getting together before disasters strike. When a disaster occurs, NVOAD or an affiliated state VOAD encourages members and other voluntary agencies to convene on site. This cooperative effort has proven to be the most effective way for a wide variety of volunteers and organizations to work together during a crisis.
VOAD members include faith-based groups, non-profits, governmental departments and agencies and other non-governmental organizations that provide relief and recovery services in times of disaster. The state and national VOADs coordinate the planning efforts of their member organizations to improve communication and reduce duplication of services to ultimately enhance disaster relief efforts. American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Catholic Charities USA and the Points of Light Foundation are examples of organizations.
California is home to two state-level VOADs:
Southern CA VOAD (SCVOAD)
Geographical area: Counties of Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura.
Northern CA VOAD (NorCal VOAD)
Northern CA VOAD’s area: All other counties
To learn more, please click here.
Additional Resources
To find more information on additional resources and how you can become trained or involved prior to a disaster striking, CaliforniaVolunteers is providing the following listing information:
Community Emergency Response Teams
American Red Cross
Salvation Army
