MRCs across the United States are forming to establish teams of local volunteer medical, public health professionals and lay personnel; that will contribute their skills and expertise during times of community, regional, and national disasters and also lend their support throughout the year.
Locally-based MRC volunteers can assist during large-scale emergencies, such as an influenza epidemic, an act of terrorism, or a natural disaster. On a daily basis, they can be called upon to help in public health initiatives, and to offer education and prevention services to help improve the overall health of their neighborhoods and communities.

Services

“MRC volunteers play vital roles in helping alleviate suffering, distributing health-related equipment, medication and materials, working in alternative care site shelters and bringing order and assistance to the chaos of disaster.”

Assignments depend on a variety of factors that each volunteer brings to the program, such as licensure, physical ability, skills, areas of interest, and training.  We match your skills to what needs to be accomplished during a disaster.
Here are some examples of what MRC volunteers may be asked to do:

• Licensed medical professionals including physicians and nurses:
• Working in triage
• Providing medical  care
• Monitoring patients
• Administering Mass immunizations
• Staffing special-needs shelters
• Additional skilled healthcare workers:

• Assisting Health Department workers distribute medication or with a phone bank
• Distribution of pharmaceuticals, antidotes, and other medical supplies

• Record-keeping
• Non-healthcare, lay volunteers assisting healthcare teams with:
• Accounting
• Record-keeping
• Logistics
• Assisting in coordinating and promoting safety in both volunteers and residents affected by an emergency.

National Leadership

Although there is a National Medical Reserve Corps organization, sponsored by the Office of the Surgeon General, it serves mainly as a clearinghouse of information and coordination for MRC units which are currently forming across the nation.

The national MRC office strives to provide best practices and sound advice, to local MRC organizations, but leaves any decision-making about how a unit should be run to the communities. MRC communities and those interested in forming an MRC are encouraged to e-mail or call the MRC National Program Office with questions, concerns, or comments (MRCcontact@osophs.dhhs.gov, 301-443-4951).