Your local Board of Health and other local emergency services
need to identify volunteers who might be available to assist during possible
emergency situations. Public health emergencies could include a disease outbreak; such as a flu
pandemic, smallpox or SARS epidemic, or the threat of spreading Hepatitis. In
these types of situations, large numbers of people may need to be inoculated on
short notice. A well-organized MRC unit could be assembled rapidly to conduct
local vaccination clinics on a large scale.
The national network of Medical Reserve Corps brings together people who have skills related to health care, to serve as needed in their own community. When units are organized and trained, they can respond to events such as public health emergencies and large-scale disasters, and provide ongoing community service. Volunteers can also provide education and prevention services, to improve the health and well-being of their community.
In central Massachusetts (see map), members of the Worcester Regional MRC are trained and equipped in advance, empowering their whole unit to provide the greatest good for the greatest number – while working smoothly with other agencies – in any kind of disaster. Badges and special gear allow members to be identifiable and ready to respond when needed.
What You Can Expect from the MRC
Membership in the MRC entitles you to:
Free training and continuing education credits, as you learn emergency management and disaster medical operations.
Skills development, to ensure that you will be ready to pitch in when a medical crisis occurs.
Delivery of medical care within your level of expertise – commensurate with your background, skills, and expertise – as required by the incident.
Esprit de corps and camaraderie, and networking with other health care providers, as part of a critically important and specialized team.
Options to participate in initiatives that enhance public health, such as vaccination and education programs.
The ability to serve the emergency public health needs of family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones in your own community.
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Public Health Region 2 - Central Massachusetts