Paterson New Jersey has made strides in creating the plans and infrastructure necessary to prepare for and respond to a public health emergency. However, the county needs a dedicated group of individuals that can be relied upon in the event of a bioterrorist or natural disaster to help put plans into action. Volunteers will need to participate in training and education in order to be adequately prepared should an event occur. The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services will help provide guidelines and recommendations for training through the New Jersey Medical Reserve Corp. Program. During a public health emergency, volunteers will be asked to perform duties in accordance with their interests, training, and experience. Such duties might include: direct patient care, administrative duties, clerical or reception duties or translation services New Jersey Medical Reserve Corps (Emergency Health Care Provider Registry has been created as a tool to support the registration process. To begin the application process, go to http://www.njmrc.nj.gov/hcpr/ and click on the “Online Application button. Next, go to the county area of residence and choose a volunteer status of either “Health Care Professional Volunteer Application” or “Community Health Volunteer Application.” The health care professional application form being for the certified health care professionals, and the latter being for the interested community volunteers. If you do not have access to a computer call 973-225-3809.