THE VALUED VOICE

To help aid with health care staffing if necessary to help hospitals handle any COVID-19 pandemic surge, Governor Tony Evers recently highlighted a state volunteer registry program as a central repository for active and retired health care professionals to offer their help: Wisconsin Emergency Assistance Volunteer Registry (WEAVR). Managed by the state’s Department of Health Services, WEAVR is a system for identifying, activating and deploying volunteers during disasters.

Anyone can volunteer with WEAVR, although emphasis is currently focused on licensed medical and health care volunteers. The site allows for secure, password-protected input of information, including the volunteer’s preference on the types of service they are willing to provide, as well as willingness to travel. The WEAVR system alerts volunteers via email or text message when local or county health officials notify the state that extra staffing is needed for a particular area.

For more information related to the WEAVR program, visit the program’s Frequently Asked Questions.