The Massage Emergency Response Team (MERT) has two programs. Our first is Emergency Deployment, where we respond to emergencies (floods, wildfires, earthquakes, etc.) within our state providing massage to emergency workers. The second is pre-scheduled Community Outreach, where we give massage to crews at fire halls, police precincts, etc. during non-emergent times.
MERT'S GOALS
1. To be a leader and resource in massage emergency response as support to emergency responder and disaster communities.
2. To create the standard by which massage therapy at disasters is measured.
3. To have an organized and effective response structure.
4. To be aligned with governmental and non-governmental emergency management agencies.
5. To enhance the personal growth and professional development of AMTA members.
6. To be inclusive of the massage therapy community.
7. To promote the visibility of AMTA and the massage therapy profession.
In April, I took the required training to be a volunteer in our local MERT Chapter. I am honored to work on people in these disaster situations. I have specific training in dealing with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and Survivors guilt, which is personal to me because of what my husband went through during his commercial diving accident. My heart goes out to all of our service members who respond to disasters and save lives without any concern for their own. They put their lives on the line and it feels so good to be able to give back to them and show them how much they are appreciated.
Volunteering can be as much or as little as your schedule allows. There are numerous ways to help with the MERT Team. From helping organize events, to doing strictly community outreach events, fundraising, bringing food to MERT Team members while on deployment, or helping with trainings. We would love to have more volunteers!
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