Before launching a Urgent Care EMS Response Team program in your community, it’s important to understand a few essential components that contribute to its success. Consider the following key elements as you begin planning. 

Launch an Urgent Care EMS Response Team program and make a meaningful impact on local students and their families.

If you are a school staff member or administrator - If you are a school staff member or administrator exploring the possibility of bringing a Urgent Care EMS Response Team program to your school, there are several important factors to review first:

• Location: Is your school in one of the counties we are current working in West Virginia
• School Support: Have you spoken with your principal and/or social work team to confirm their interest and backing for a program like this?
• Space: Is there an appropriate area on campus that could serve as a food pantry?
• Community Engagement: Strong community involvement is essential to the Urgent Care EMS Response Team model. Have you identified volunteers who could help establish and operate the program?

To begin planning, download our overview presentation, which explains how Urgent Care EMS Response Team partners with school staff and volunteers. You are welcome to share it with others at your school.

Once you’ve reviewed these considerations and discussed them with the appropriate decision‑makers, please reach out to us so we can move forward with bringing Urgent Care EMS Response Team to your community.

If you are a parent, neighbor or school volunteer: - If you’re a parent, neighbor, or school volunteer interested in bringing a Urgent Care EMS Response Team program to your community, there are several important considerations to review before getting started:

• Location: Is your community within one of our service areas in West Virginia?
• School Engagement: Have you spoken with the principals or social work teams at your local middle and high schools to determine their interest and support for launching this program?
• Volunteer Support: Strong community involvement is essential to the Urgent Care EMS Response Team model. Have you identified volunteers who can help you establish and operate the program?
• Donor Base: Do you believe at least fifty families would be willing to participate in the Orange Bag food donation program? In our experience, starting with fifty donors provides a solid foundation, and many early donors often become dedicated volunteers.

To begin planning, download our presentation outlining (coming soon) how the Urgent Care EMS Response Team partners with school staff and community volunteers. Feel free to share it with other interested parents, volunteers, and school personnel.

Once you’ve reviewed these considerations and discussed them with the appropriate individuals in your community, please reach out to us so we can take the next steps toward bringing the Urgent Care EMS Response Team program to your area.

What key roles need to be filled to launch Urgent Care EMS Response Team in your area. 

1. Area Manager (AM)

The Area Manager provides leadership within a designated region and serves as the primary connection between local schools and the Urgent Care EMS Response Team. Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with the UCEMSRT Director of School Partnerships to evaluate community needs and support program expansion
• Assisting school pantry coordinators to ensure efficient food distribution
• Working closely with the Driver Coordinator and Event Coordinator to execute successful Orange Bag Events
• Using Google tools and email to manage communication and organizational tasks

2. Event Coordinator (EC)

The Event Coordinator oversees all five Orange Bag Events each school year, ensuring smooth and well‑organized operations. Responsibilities include:

• Partnering with the UCEMSRT Event Manager for ongoing training and support
• Managing event supplies and coordinating volunteer sign‑ups
• Working with the host school to secure space and necessary equipment
• Supervising event setup and cleanup
• Distributing collected food to school pantries
• Sending appreciation messages to volunteers and donors
• Maintaining regular communication through email and text

Orange Bag Events take place five times per school year, typically on Saturday mornings.

3. Driver Coordinator (DC)

The Driver Coordinator supports the volunteer drivers who collect Orange Bag donations. This role includes:

• Collaborating with the UCEMSRT Driver Manager to train and communicate with drivers
• Storing 5–10 bins of Red Bags between events or arranging alternative storage
• Managing food‑collection logistics for five Saturday events each year
• Using mobile apps to coordinate routes and maintain communication

4. Bag Drop‑Off Coordinator

The Bag Drop‑Off Coordinator ensures new Orange Bag donors receive their materials by:

• Delivering an Urgent Care EMS Response Team Orange Bag to each new donor
• Using a mobile app to access donor addresses, record completed drop‑offs, and add helpful location notes for future collections

Each of these volunteer roles plays an essential part in launching and sustaining a successful Urgent Care EMS Response Team program in your community. If you’re interested in getting involved, I can help you refine role descriptions or craft outreach materials.