Emergency

Volunteering & donations

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Volunteers for COVID-19 response

Are you a licensed medical professional, or non-medical, interested in volunteering for public health in Sonoma County?

If so, please sign up through the State of California’s Disaster Healthcare Volunteers website for the Sonoma County Medical Reserve Corps (not the Sonoma Co Unit). Once you’re signed up, the County of Sonoma Department of Public Health will be able to contact you for assistance with the administration of COVID-19 vaccines and related duties.

If you are a non-medical volunteer, there are additional COVID-related volunteer projects, including staffing the COVID-19 helpline, infection/COVID-19 prevention education for home health care providers, assisting the Sonoma County Office of Education with student health screenings and possible evacuation shelter work. If you would like to provide assistance remotely from home on the COVID-19 helpline, view volunteer opportunities on the public health preparedness page and email phpreparedness@sonoma-county.org for information and the application process.

There is less need for vaccinators now, though please review the CDC COVID-19 vaccine training modules if you are interested in vaccinating.

If your medical license became inactive, was retired or was voluntarily canceled within the last five years, and you would like to restore your license to help with vaccinations, visit the Medical Board of California’s website for more information.

Non-medical volunteers

The Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership and the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County work with government and nonprofit agencies to assess community needs when a disaster strikes. It’s crucial to make sure our community members stay safe, healthy, fed and connected to social services. Find out how you can donate your time by visiting The Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership – COVID Response for volunteers and CVNL Volunteer Recruitment Help for nonprofits.

California Volunteers launched the #CaliforniansForAll service initiative to connect Californians with safe volunteer opportunities and encourage those unable to physically volunteer to think creatively about ways to make a difference in their communities. Visit: californiavolunteers.ca.gov/get-involved/covid-19.

 

Community support during emergencies

Donate gas cards, gift cards, and direct cash donations

The Community Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD), Sonoma County’s collective is promoting donations through gift cards and direct cash donations as they are the best way to support families and individuals in need and displaced, especially during the difficult COVID times.

Gift card programs:

Cash donation programs:

COAD is additionally encouraging supporting our local economy by purchasing gift cards from local restaurants and to support your local Community Based Organizations who provide local support services, as well.

Donate

Charitable donations

During emergencies, hundreds of community nonprofit agencies do an incredible job supporting people in need in our county. We are hearing from residents that they would like to donate funds to help with the work.

To help with the work, we encourage you to donate what you can to your favorite local nonprofit or one of the following organizations that provide grants and funding to local nonprofits and community members.

Blood

Donating blood is always a plus in any crisis. Now is no exception. There is an urgent need to replenish blood supplies in Sonoma County. To donate, visit vitalant.org to make an appointment.

Advocate

Use your voice. Get educated about the COVID-19 emergency and share information with your friends and social media network. Be a voice for how others can be there for each other during this pandemic and tell your friends and family about how they can get vaccinated. Find out more about COVID-19 in Sonoma County at socoemergency.org. Lend your voice to causes that need support by contacting your elected officials – local, state, and federal.