Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The first response to any disaster is a local response. The Medical Reserve Corps serves to help strengthen local communities’ emergency response during large-scale local emergencies. Become a part of DeKalb County’s culture of service and citizenship. Be a MRC Volunteer!
What is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
The MRC is a component of the Citizen Corps. The Citizen Corps is a vital component of USA Freedom Corps and, was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. The MRC brings together local health professionals and others to volunteer in their community. Trained volunteers assist regular medical response professionals during a large-scale local emergency.
MRC Overview
The first response to disaster is a local response. Since September 11, 2001, this has never been more true. Thousands upon thousands of volunteers responded to the national tragedy providing sorely needed resources in numerous ways.
As a result of this spirit of volunteerism, the Bush administration set up the Citizen Corps. The MRC brings together local health professionals and others to volunteer in their community. Trained volunteers assist regular medical response professionals during a large-scale local emergency such as an influenza epidemic, a bioterrorism attack or other hazardous events. The DeKalb County MRC supplements community emergency response systems as well as contributes to meeting the public health needs of the community throughout the year.
Types of volunteers needed:
- Physicians
- Mental health practitioners
- Epidemiologists
- Pharmacists
- Physician assistants
- Public health advisors/experts
- Health educators
- Risk communicators
- Public relations experts
- Health care administrators
- Former military personnel who have experience in logistics,
health care or administration - Trained interpreters
- Environmental engineers
- Medical records experts
- Social workers
- Clergy
- Medical supply experts
- Data entry staff
- Volunteer management experts
In addition, volunteers may have skills in basic fundraising, grantwriting, information management, graphic design and video production.
Why Volunteer
During times of crisis, it is natural to want to serve others through volunteerism. Whether it is providing help during a flood or manning a phone bank to help victims find sorely needed resources, there is a role we can all play.
MRC volunteers are trained to provide assistance during a bioterrorism or natural public health disaster within their community. These critical roles will help save and protect lives. Everyone is needed from clinical to non-medical experts. Training in incident command, biological agents and community help center operations is part of the comprehensive training that you will receive as a MRC volunteer.
In addition, community readiness and volunteer skills are tested during mock clinics. If you want to sharpen your skills in an interactive and invaluable way, please sign up to become an MRC volunteer.
Privacy Act Statement
In compliance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the following information is provided:
The collection of this information is authorized by 5 U.S.C. 301 and Section 2, Executive Order 13254, January 29, 2002. The primary purpose of the form is to provide a means that allows individuals to indicate their interest in volunteer services. Users may also elect to be provided with additional information about other service opportunities. Providing this information is voluntary. All information submitted by a user is available to DeKalb County Board of Health’s Volunteer Services.
