Community Involvement

Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster (LAP-AID)

Linn Area Partners Active in Disaster (LAP-AID) is made up of more than 40 health and human service providers who share resources and collaborate to build a better-prepared response to disaster by reducing duplicated services and inefficiencies. LAP-AID is activated by Linn County EMA when a disaster strikes and help is needed. Teams that are part of LAP-AID include: animal care, case advocacy/needs assessment, communication, construction coordination, data management, disaster volunteer coordination, fundraising, information and referral, interfaith spiritual care, mass care, medical service/Linn County, mental health, and older adult/functional needs. Learn more about LAP-AID.

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

The Linn County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit is community-based and functions to locally organize and utilize volunteers. When a public health emergency occurs, the need for volunteers is tremendous. The Linn County MRC will be used to supplement existing emergency services when a disaster is of a magnitude that overwhelms existing resources. Additionally, the Linn County MRC volunteers can provide relief for overworked workers in the event of an emergency. 

The Linn County MRC recruits health professionals and non-medical individuals into volunteer service, trains and educates members, assists with community needs, participates in non-emergency essential public health services (i.e., community outreach and health education), and integrates volunteers and first responders in a response to an emergency.

To learn more about this program, visit the Linn County EMA's website.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)

The Linn County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) educates people about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact their area and trains them in basic disaster response skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team organizations, and disaster medical operations. CERT members can assist others in their neighborhood or workplace following an event when professional responders are not immediately available to help. 

To be part of Linn County's CERT team, individuals must complete coursework, which will get you started and capable or performing basic CERT functions. Each member must complete 16 hours to become certified. The course covers: disaster preparedness, team organization, disaster psychology, medical operations, damage assessment, fire suppression, and light search and rescue. Classes can be scheduled to accommodate a variety of needs.

If you are interested in becoming part of Linn County's CERT team, register online with the Linn County EMA.