MRC

So these three letters, MRC, caught my eye and I read on to find out some things I didn’t know. The Medical Reserve Corps was created following the attack on 9/11 twelve years ago. The MRC program falls under the Department of Health and Human Services Office of the surgeon general and provides state and local governments with trained medical volunteers that can assist with public health in times of emergency. The MRC can partner with the Red Cross and other emergency technicians depending on the emergency. The MRC were on hand at the finish line of the Boston Marathon and thank goodness for that. They were able to triage and help save many lives. When Superstorm Sandy hit New York the NYC MRC deployed with less than a day’s warning to support 80 shelters for three weeks. These volunteers use their own cars or carpool to remote sites bringing cellphones for evacuees and toys for children. In Northeast Florida, the MRC has been involved with flu immunization programs, staffing special needs shelters during tropical storms and hurricanes, and assisting in Haiti’s earthquake relief efforts. But more MRC volunteers heroes are needed. Medical professionals, practicing or retired are important but there is also a need for community members without medical training who can assist with administrative and other support functions. If you’d like to be a part of the MRC start by visiting www.servfl.com.