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 SERV-OR Bulletin 📣 January 2026
Preparing to Serve
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Abby Morris and son. Abby is the new SERV-OR Volunteer Manager and MRC State Coordinator.
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Fostering Fulfillment: Introducing Abby Morris, the New SERV-OR Volunteer Manager | article by Mark Schorr
Abby Morris’s tone grows even more animated as she describes how she was first drawn to working with volunteers. “I was about nine years old when my dad started a Special Olympics swim team. I had been swimming competitively since I was six and was so excited to get into the water and help the athletes. My father decided to start the team because my sister is neurodivergent, and many young people in our community with disabilities didn’t have an accepting, inclusive space to compete. I saw how satisfying it is to set something up, to organize and coordinate, to help people, and get fulfillment without getting paid.”
Later, Abby continued along the volunteer path with AmeriCorps, supporting the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Program at Reynolds Middle School in Fairview, Oregon. After her year of service with AmeriCorps, she began... Click here to the full article.
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Stuart C Vaughters (SERV-OR AmeriCorps VISTA), Sophie Flora-DeSart (former SERV-OR Volunteer Manager), and Abby Morris (current SERV-OR Volunteer Manager) - January 2026
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Michelle Morales-Hamilton and Stuart C Vaughters educated the public about SERV-OR, recruited volunteers, and met Bee Ready and Smokey the Bear at the OEM Ready Fair. - October 2025
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Volunteers Needed đź“Ł
We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help shape our bi-monthly newsletter! The Bulletin Development Team (BDT) is a small yet dynamic group that meets virtually every other month.Â
As a volunteer, you can contribute in ways that fit your interests—writing articles, proofreading, editing, suggesting helpful resources, or sharing stunning state photos. Every voice matters, and your participation and creativity can make a real impact. Ready to help us craft something amazing?
Even if you are not a current SERV-OR, MRC and SMVP member you can participate. If you... CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE.
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Bulletin Development Team (BDT) members
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Sarah Bates (center) with daughters during a visit to Canada. Sarah is the new Linn County MRC Coordinator.
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Introducing Sarah Bates, Linn County’s New MRC Coordinator | article by Anthony Brande
When Sarah Bates speaks of the people who make emergency response possible, there is no question of her dedication to public health. As the new Linn County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Coordinator, Sarah is responsible for ensuring the county has a well-trained, well-supported group of volunteers ready to step in during emergencies. That preparation includes everything from maintaining equipment and supplies to developing policies and procedures. Additionally, she makes sure partner agencies are... Click for the full article.
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1918 Influenza (Flu) Pandemic – article by Jaqueline Feliz
Over a century ago, in the fall of 1918, the Influenza (Spanish flu) Pandemic affected Oregon in many similar ways as the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic.  The 1918 flu virus was “novel”, meaning humans had not been exposed to it before and had no immunity to it. The flu intensified quickly as it was spread through airborne droplets of coughs and sneezes and attacked the respiratory system. Measures to contain the spread of the flu, such as shut down of public gathering places, social distancing, quarantines, and hygiene practices including... Click here to continue reading.
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NEXT ISSUE: Announcing the launch of SERV-OR accepting administrative and general support volunteers.
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Thank you: Sarah Bates, Anthony Brande, Danielle Brown, Samantha Buckley, Alex Dolle, Jacqueline Felix, Sophie Flora-DeSart, Gloria Hale, Jessica Hamner, Michelle Morales-Hamilton, Velda Handler, Carissa Heiniege, Joe Johnson, Paul Kaplan, Daniel Laury, Melissa McKinney, Eric Missman, Abby Morris, Mojisola Obiako, Mark Schorr, Caroline Tydings, Stuart C Vaughters, Lila Wickham, and Mary Ellen Winterhalter.
Oregon scenic images are courtesy of volunteers Alex Dolle, Daniel Laury, Stuart C Vaughters, and Mary Ellen Winterhalter.
The individuals named above played an essential role in bringing this edition of the SERV-OR Bulletin to life. Their dedication, creativity, and hard work were invaluable to this publication!
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Mission
The mission of the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Oregon (SERV-OR) and Oregon’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) network is to ensure health and well-being, educate, and protect all people in Oregon.
We will accomplish this through recruiting, registering, training, exercising, and deploying licensed volunteer health professionals to support public health initiatives, health and medical needs during public health crises, and by improving access to preparedness education and resources for all individuals and communities.
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