Volunteers
and donors may play a role in improving public health of Texans. The Department
of State Health Services (DSHS) and affiliates have some information about how you
can help.
General Information on Statewide Volunteer Programs
Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry
The
Texas Disaster Volunteer Registry (TDVR) is part of the federally mandated
Emergency Systems for the Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals
(ESAR-VHP) Program which serves to pre-register
volunteers and verify professional licensure so that efficient,
effective response can be coordinated during and after any disaster.
Register for the TDVR.
Medical Reserve Corps
The Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is
headquartered in the Office of the United States (U.S.) Surgeon General. DCVMRC
helps communities establish, implement, and maintain MRC units. Local MRCs engage
volunteers to strengthen public health, emergency response and community
resiliency. MRC volunteers train – individually and with other members of the
unit.
Texas
Citizen Corps
Citizen Corps offers volunteer opportunities to support
local fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, community public
health efforts, and to contribute to the four stages of emergency management:
preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery. Texas Association of Regional
Councils, a public entity, administers the Citizen Corps programs in Texas
through councils of governments (COGs).
Find a local Citizen Corp Council.
DSHS Programs
DSHS Advisory Committee Service
DSHS
staff work together with advisory committee (councils, boards and task forces) members
ensuring that Texans have access to effective public health services and that
all Texans live and work in safe, healthy communities. Periodically vacancies may exist and create
an opportunity for the public to apply for membership.
Faith Community Health Ministry
Texas’ Faith
Community Health Ministry focuses on health promotion within a faith community.
Roles vary between faith communities depending upon the needs of its members
and available resources. Most common roles include educator, counselor
and health advocate. The person(s) acts as a resource of preventive and
restorative care while ministering holistically to individuals and families. See
the Texas Health
Ministries Network brochure. More resources.
DSHS Internships
Internships must fulfill an official curriculum requirement and are set
up in partnerships between DSHS and schools. Generally, internships at DSHS are
unpaid. If you are interested in an internship at DSHS, contact the Office
of Practice and Learning.
DSHS Public Health Regions and
Volunteering
Public health regions around the state may have additional opportunities for the public to
volunteer. Contact the office closest to you to inquire.
The Health and
Human Services Commission (HHSC) has information on becoming a volunteer or
intern with a Texas HHSC office, state hospital or state supported living center.
More Information
DSHS Customer Service representatives can be reached for general
inquiries via
email or phone at 512-776-2150.