Volunteers Sought For Statewide COVID-19 Vaccination Effort

The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps needs volunteers to help with COVID-19 vaccinations across the state during the longest activation in its history.

The OK MRC has 15 units of volunteers across the state. The leader of the Tulsa County unit told News On 6 this unit is one of the top in the country because of the people.

Jessika Kennedy is one of over 6,700 volunteers with the OK MRC, which is called when first responders and healthcare workers are overwhelmed.

"It's a great time, it's fun, it's getting to know people in the community to help out," said Kennedy.

The former EMT and school medical officer is among the 1,654 OK MRC volunteers in Tulsa County. At the start of the pandemic, Kennedy answered phone calls about COVID-19 at the Tulsa Health Department. Now, she is at points of dispensing, also called PODs, helping with vaccinations.

"Everybody has been so thankful that they have that opportunity,” said Kennedy. “They finally see some hope, some light at the end of the tunnel here that we can find a new normal."

State coordinator for OK MRC, Lezlie Carter, said during this unprecedented statewide activation, volunteers are needed everywhere, no matter their background.

Carter said volunteers will help with a variety of assignments, such as registration, traffic control, interpretation and administering vaccines, if they are licensed to do so.

"Volunteers will receive just-in-time training so that they're comfortable in the role that they'll be taking, they'll be doing that day, and then we would never have a volunteer that isn't licensed performing a role,” said Carter.

Carter also said volunteers can choose when and where they give their time. Volunteers do not get reimbursed for lodging or travel, but Carter said it's a rewarding opportunity.

"I can tell you the amazing things that we see our volunteers do and their dedication to helping their communities be healthier and safer is so inspiring," said Carter.

If you are interested in helping, you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible because all volunteers must first pass a background check and go through an online orientation.

To apply, visit the website here.