Medical Reserve CorpsMedical Reserve Corps of Licking County (MRC)

“Terrorism forces us to make a choice.  We can be afraid.  Or we can be ready.”

-Secretary Tom Ridge, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 

Background

The Medial Reserve Corps or MRC was started in response to the outpouring of volunteer support that followed the September 11th tragedy.  Medical volunteers were desperately needed and although they had the skills in disaster response, many were not able to help in this time of crisis.  Most were not permitted access to the site due to issues with proper credentials and lack of training.

The goal of the MRC is to have previously identified and trained volunteers so that in the event of a disaster, we have a reserve of personnel that are willing, able and adequately trained to assist our local first responders.  Healthcare professionals have a natural desire to want to help when there is a need; our goal is to make that possible.

What does the MRC do?

The MRC is a volunteer group of medical professionals that are committed to bettering their communities through medical service in times of disaster as well as ongoing service to healthcare needs throughout the year through education and prevention initiatives.  Members of the MRC receive training on how to properly respond to a disaster and are called upon to provide much needed help.

Who can volunteer in the MRC?

The MRC is volunteer organization for people with a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Why does Licking County need volunteers?

In the event of a disaster, the entire county will to some degree be affected.  Medical professionals will want to stand in and do what they do best, help the members of their communities.  The MRC provides medical professionals the opportunity to be trained and prepared to help so that they can do the best job possible when the time comes, a practical example of the need for volunteers in the event of a mass vaccination.  Licking County would need 251 medical volunteers (not including the 327 non-medical volunteers needed) for 6 clinics, for duration of 7 days working 12 hours shifts for 24 hours a day in order to vaccinate the population of the county.   

SIGN ME UP!  Click here to print out a registration form.

For more information on the Federal MRC Program please refer to www.medicalreservecorps.gov.  If you are interested in being a part of the Licking County Medical Reserve Corps, the please contact Jonathon Dye at (740)349-6535 or at jdye@lickingcohealth.org.