Frequently Asked Questions

a. A DRT member must exemplify the following characteristics:

1. Integration: Transitions well into a team setting; gets along with others from diverse backgrounds, communicates well with others.
2. Technical Skills: Can accomplish the task asked of them with little to no direction and does not attempt to practice outside of their scope.
3. Adaptable: Transitions well into the new environment with little to no complaints, does not have unrealistic expectations for accommodations, can appropriately handle stress from the work environment.
4. Representation: A DRT Member must exemplify Heart to Heart International’s (HHI) vision and mission. This includes but is not limited to; language used, appearance, habits, promptness, and respecting others.

b. For position specific requirements please see volunteer job description.

Once the application and supplemental paperwork has been submitted, selected candidates will receive notification for an interview. Each month HHI staff meet to review all interviewed applicants to determine if candidates meet DRT qualifications. An HHI representative will then reach out to inform applicants of the decision. Acceptance at this point will be pending submission and approval of remaining paperwork and completion of DRT Workshop.

Timing varies depending on the time taken to submit supplemental paperwork and the availability of HHI staff to interview and review applicants. The process takes longer during disasters as HHI staff are deployed to the field. During times when HHI is not responding to disaster this process can be completed in 2 weeks, during an active disaster response this process could take 2 months.

The amount varies from year to year depending on the number of disasters that strike. On average HHI has deployed four to six times a year.

When disaster strikes HHI staff meet to discuss the variables to determine the level at which HHI will respond. If the decision to respond with a medical team is made, HHI will then assemble an advance team. Following the assembly of the advance team DRT members will receive a notification via email. This notification contains information on HHI’s decision to deploy, deployment details and an availability survey. If a volunteer is willing and able to respond all this is required is an email with the signed pre-deployment assessment and completing the survey form. As HHI receives availability, members will be selected for the team based on a variety of variables such as experience, training, position, and travel. Once a member has been selected to deploy with HHI they will receive individual travel information and a situational brief.

Heart to Heart understands that each volunteer has obligations such as work, children, and vacations. We do not expect that each member of the DRT will be able to deploy at each disaster but do expect that each member will do their best to accommodate when able.

Deployments can last anywhere from one to three weeks depending on location of the disaster. Generally, at least one week of availability is required to deploy domestically and two weeks for an international response.

During deployment all food, lodging, and transportation is covered by Heart to Heart.

HHI always includes a packing list as part of the situation brief that deploying members receive. These items typically include comfortable clothing that can get dirty, are quick dry and light weight, shoes/boots that are comfortable to work long hours in uncommon work environments, and a raincoat/jacket.

For international responses, HHI will purchase medical liability insurance for the team. However, this policy does require that individuals have active liability insurance or, if retired, had active insurance until their date of retirement. For domestic responses, HHI relies upon the Volunteer Protection Act to cover volunteers. HHI still recommends that medical professionals carry their own liability insurance in addition to this.

Yes, as a member of the Disaster Response Team you must have personal health insurance.

Yes, we accept international applicants. However, there are a few things we like to make international applicants aware of before applying. In order to become a fully vetted volunteer it is required to attend a DRT workshop that we host in Kansas City, Missouri. HHI does not cover transportation costs to the workshop. Additionally, due to licensing requirements varying in each state and country, international volunteers do not always meet the requirements to deploy with HHI.

For safety, please wear closed-toe shoes.

Yes! Children as young as eight are welcome to volunteer with a responsible adult.
For youth under 18, a parent or guardian must complete the online registration, which includes a liability waiver—those 16 and older may attend assembly events independently.

When registering, please note that each sign-up allows only up to four people. Larger groups are encouraged to have each participant sign up on their own. This method ensures the most accurate attendance count and speeds up check-in by having everyone complete their waiver during registration.

Our community hygiene kit builds often fill up fast. If all slots are full, please check back later. We regularly add hygiene kit builds during a disaster to accommodate an increased need.

Doors open 15 minutes before the event start time.

Volunteers are asked to park in the North Lot and use the North Entrance doors. Click here for a parking map!

We have open cubbies for volunteers to store their personal items.

If you want to learn more about our work, check out our blog!