A new collective of volunteer medical care providers has assembled in Eugene, and quickly burst into action. I spoke with Marten and Sy, two members of Medics for Action Collective Eugene (MACE), about what this project is and why they choose to volunteer.

Made up of a broad spectrum of medical professionals including RNs, EMTs, CNAs, PAs, and folks with wilderness and protest response training, MACE originally formed in March of 2025 to offer medical presence and care at protests.

“I want people to get care. And during protests, its important to demonstrate that we can care for each other.” – Marten

In the six months since their inception, MACE has also begun offering free pop-up clinics in partnership with other community organizations to offer wound care, medical assessments, and basic first aid supplies. There are no barriers to entry; these clinics are available to anyone.

MACE volunteers know that the need for quality, accessible medical care is increasing by the day.​​​​​​​
“A lot of us have worked in this medical system that has barriers, and is now crumbling. With the closures of CAHOOTS and the ER downtown, the lowest barrier medical care our community had, its obvious that many people with medical expertise need other channels to offer medical care.” – Sy

As of now(September 2025), MACE can be found every Sunday from 1-3pm at First Christian Church partnering with Raven, and at Washington-Jefferson Park the 3rd Saturday of every month from 9-10:30am partniering with Neighbors Feeding Neighbors. MACE is expanding its scope even further this October, by offering a free First Aid for Protests training. The training will be held October 4th and 5th, and you can register now on their LinkTree.

Most heroes don’t wear capes or badges, but some of them flash a cross on their sleeve.

FAQs:
Can I join MACE as a volunteer to offer medical care? YES absolutely; reach out via email: mace.eugene@proton.me
Is MACE available to offer medical care at an event or organization that I’m a part of? YES, MACE is eager to offer more pop-up clinics in partnership with other organiztions; reach out via email: mace.eugene@proton.me
Does MACE accept donations? MACE does not yet have a way to accept monetary donations, but they are in need of more basic first aid and medical supplies; fill out this form

MACE is assisting these upcoming events: