Sharon Revitalizing Medical Reserve Corps

Sharon begins revitalizing its emergency volunteer cadre tonight after a six-year lull.

Orientation for Sharon's Medical Reserve Corps is at 7 p.m. at the Hixson Farm Clubhouse, 18 Hixson Farm Road.

The all-volunteer Reserve Corps will provide ancillary aid, such as handling paperwork and helping with logistics, to the Sharon Health Department during public health emergencies, Sharon Public Health Nurse Sheila Miller said Tuesday.

During a snowstorm, reserve corps members might register people, help with child care and serve food at a shelter the town established for residents, Miller said.

Sharon had a reserve corps in 2006, she said. About 100 volunteers participated, but "some of them have moved and some of them have dropped out," she said.

All volunteers, including potential returnees from this group, will undergo criminal background and credential checks before being approved for badges, Miller said.

"If you say you're a nurse, we're going to make sure you're a nurse," she said.