When Disaster Strikes, Be the Help Until Help Arrives

Volunteer. Train. Be Ready.

PUBLIC HEALTH DOESN’T HAPPEN WITHOUT PEOPLE

Logo for New Hampshire Lakes Region CERT Community Emergency Response Team with green, black, and white design.

The LR-MRC and CERT program are always looking for dedicated volunteers ready to serve their community. The Lakes Region Medical Reserve Corps (LR-MRC) is a team of trained volunteers — from medical professionals and public health experts to everyday community members — supporting emergency preparedness, response, and public health across the Winnipesaukee region. Through our CERT program, volunteers build skills in first aid, fire safety, light search & rescue, and emergency coordination, joining a network of local residents and partners committed to keeping our communities safer, stronger, and ready.

Ready to Serve?
Start Here.

We offer several ways to get trained and ready to serve.

Whether you're looking for in-person sessions or a flexible hybrid option, our CERT Basic Training programs are offered throughout the year in collaboration with local and statewide partners.

You’ll gain hands-on skills in disaster preparedness, medical response, and team coordination, all designed to help you protect yourself and your community.

Local trainings are hosted throughout the Winnipesaukee region.
Hybrid options available through our statewide training partners.

  • LR-MRC welcomes both medical and non-medical volunteers, including:

    • Physicians, nurses, EMTs, and retired healthcare professionals

    • Mental health counselors, social workers, interpreters

    • Public health and admin staff

    • Clergy, legal professionals, logistics personnel

    • Students, retirees, and community members with a heart for service

    You don’t need credentials to make a difference, you just need a willingness to help.

  • Volunteers support both emergency response and year-round public health initiatives, including:

    • Conducting assessments and triage

    • Staffing vaccination clinics and treatment centers

    • Providing mental health and language support

    • Helping with shelter operations and logistics

    • Promoting health literacy and disease prevention

    • Supporting public health education and outreach

  • Volunteers receive core training to prepare for deployment and community health events. Topics include:

    • Fire safety & utility control

    • Basic first aid, CPR & disaster medical operations

    • Light search & rescue

    • Team organization & communication

    • Psychological first aid

    • Emergency sheltering & incident command

    • CERT's role in large-scale emergencies

    • Public health outreach

    Many trainings are offered online or in hybrid formats, with ongoing opportunities to stay engaged.

“The CERT program taught me how to stay calm and take action in an emergency, before professional responders arrive.”
Teen CERT Graduate, Laconia High School

“During an emergency, we don’t wait for someone else to step in, we show up, together.”