Connecticut Registers 5,000 Volunteers to Mitigate COVID-1​9 Pati​ent Surge

Background:

In FY 2019, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) used Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP) fu​nds to purchase an off-the-shelf software package from Juvare to enhance the functionality of CT’s volunteer registry program and develop a management system compliant with federal regulations. On March 20, 2020, the CT DPH launched CT Responds!, the new volunteer management system for registering MRC volunteers and other medical and non-medical professionals throughout the state. The system aligns with ASPR’s Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) program guidelines and has several new capabilities, including the capacity to run medical licensure verifications.

Preparedness Activities:

In the spring of 2020, CT deployed the MFH to four hospitals as alternate care sites to expand surge capacity across the state as part of the response to COVID 19. CT will continue to use HPP funds to further the relationship between the DPH and CTMD and strengthen MFH operations. Strengthening this relationship ensures for a more organized, efficient, and rapid deployment of the CTMD in the event of an emergency.

Impact:

As of January 2021, over 5,000 volunteers have been registered in CT Responds! since its launch. The CT Responds! platform has been a critical tool in addressing the staffing needs that the COVID-19 pandemic demands. MRC volunteers are now gearing up to assist in Mass Vaccination Clinics at Point of Vaccination locations throughout the state.