Factors related to public health MRC volunteer recruitment and retention

The Medical Reserve corps (MRC) is a voluntary organization with a mission to augment public health surge capacity response for disasters and other initiatives. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence recruitment and retention of MRC volunteers. An anonymous survey was administered to a randomized sample of eleven healthcare professional groups across the state of Hawaii. The survey focused on awareness of the MRC; interest, ability, and willingness as well as perceived benefits and drawbacks to joining; and organizational factors that might influence their decision to participate. Key findings: 1057 surveys were mailed, 468 respondents (44.3%); 64.4% of respondents were female; mean age was 48 years; 53.35% reported themselves as Asian, 38.7% Caucasian, 5.3% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. After being provided with a summary of the organization, a series of questions were asked, and on a scale of 0 (low) to 4 (very high) the following was found. Level of interest in joining and willingness to join were high (2.6 and 2.4 respectively), while ability to join was lower (1.6). Perceived benefits to joining include: personal satisfaction, opportunity for disaster training, and chance for networking. Perceived drawbacks include: time required, conflicts with job, concern for safety of family, potential lost wages and a dysfunctional MRC might waste their time. Most important issues regarding recruitment and retention: time commitment, MRC operation, continuing education credit, and personal and family safety during response activities. These findings can inform further development of the public health disaster preparedness infrastructure.