(Walworth County submission) Getting COVID-19 vaccinations into the arms of Walworth County residents requires an army of volunteers: Some 120 volunteers have donated approximately 2,400 hours of time over the past three months. With more of the population now eligible to receive the vaccination, clinic efforts are picking up speed and more volunteers are needed to keep pace. On any given week, the Walworth County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) needs to fill over 40 medical volunteer shifts and more than 30 nonmedical volunteer shifts.

“Our COVID-19 vaccination clinic volunteers have stepped up in a big way,” says Walworth County Volunteer Services Coordinator Colleen Lesniak. “Their dedication and willingness to help others is admirable. But as vaccination efforts have increased so, too, has our need for more volunteers.”

DHHS has an ongoing need for both nonmedical and medical volunteers. The first group consists of those without medical training who perform administrative tasks, such as helping with registration and managing the lines. The second group is made up of Medical Reserve Corps. (MRC) volunteers who have professional medical training and administer vaccinations and monitor patients in the observation area.

“The vaccination for COVID-19 struck me as an incredibly important step in fighting the virus,” says Walworth County MRC volunteer Dr. Julie Klein. “I knew I wanted to be part of this process of vaccinating Americans, which I feel will go down in history as an amazing, lifesaving achievement. In addition, I absolutely love the medical field and feel so honored to be part of the vaccination process.”

Volunteers must be 18-years-old of age and older. Clinics are held three times per week and shifts typically run 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 1:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Those interested should contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Colleen Lesniak at (262) 741-4223, clesniak@co.walworth.wi.us.