Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 25, 2006

Collin County emergency management officials unveil online volunteer database

(McKinney, TX) – The response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita was further proof that volunteers are vital to an effective emergency response plan. Registration, credentialing and training before a disaster are keys to improving a locality’s response. With this in mind, Collin County Homeland Security has unveiled a new way to register to volunteer before an emergency. Metroplex Volunteers is an online volunteer database that will be used to help register, track and schedule volunteers during a disaster. With National Volunteer Week (April 23-29) and hurricane season right around the corner, now is the time to register to assist your community.

Registration is easy. Simply follow these steps:

1. Go to www.MetroplexVolunteers.com
2. Select Collin County
3. Select Register to Volunteer*
4. Enter your contact information, availability, skills, etc.

* Note: If using a pop-up blocker, it will be necessary to temporarily disable the program.

After registration, volunteers will be considered part of Collin County’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program and will receive email updates regarding training opportunities available before a disaster as well as information concerning the volunteer needs during a response.

For more information about becoming a Medical Reserve Corps volunteer, please contact Jamie Nicolay, Collin County Health Educator, at jnicolay@collincountytx.gov or 972-548-5578. You can also find out more about the Medical Reserve Corps at www.medicalreservecorps.gov.

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