Volunteers needed in case of emergencies

The state of Illinois is looking to register volunteers in case of a major disaster or public health emergency.

Volunteers can sign up for a statewide database called Illinois Helps. The Metropolitan Chicago Healthcare Council, Illinois Department of Public Health and Chicago Department of Public Health have launched a new public service announcement to raise awareness of the program.

Officials say they need both medical and nonmedical volunteers. So far more than 3,700 Illinois residents are already registered. Volunteers could be called upon in the event of blizzards, disease outbreaks and bioterrorism attacks.

The program also helps hospital verify if health care volunteers are licensed and credentialed professionals when they volunteer during emergencies.