The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) will soon establish a group of reserve personnel to support efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Ready Reserve Corps would support clinical and health care activities for COVID-19 response efforts across the globe, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) said Tuesday.
"Creating a Ready Reserve for the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps will improve our capability to respond to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis and future public health emergencies," said Alex Azar, HHS secretary.
The corps will consist of trained personnel who are deployable on short notice as needs arise. Interested individuals who wish to become part of the corps may send applications starting this fall. The corps' first batch of officers will undergo commissioning in spring next year.
