Sometimes volunteers in emergency response have time to prepare before an event occurs. Other times their services are needed in an instant. The latter was the case most recently in the Boston Marathon bombing and the West Texas plant explosion.

The immense suffering that followed could have been even worse were it not for the people who quickly came to the aid of the victims.

In Georgia, DPH's volunteer organizations were recently united in a streamlined registration process, now known as Georgia Responds.

"In the wake of the events that occurred in Boston, people felt compelled to help from across the nation," said LaKieva Williams, DPH volunteer program director. "The Medical Reserve Corps units in the area have been actively providing both medical and non-medical services throughout the event. One MRC member participating in the race went directly from the marathon to the shelter."

Capt. Rob Tosatto, national director of the Division of Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, said this is the type of community engagement volunteers are dedicated to.

"As we reflect on and recover from this event, I must stress the importance of the MRC remaining active -- and even increasing activity -- in these types of large-scale public events," Tosatto said. "MRC volunteers not only have the opportunity to hone their skills, work as a team and provide a public service as part of first aid and medical sweep teams, but they become prepared, trained and in-place assets ready if needed for any possible response. By participating at a race, air show or other large gathering, your MRC volunteers are remaining engaged, helping their community, and filling an integral role to assist those in need, if a crisis does occur."

-Story by DPH Communications