In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President Bush asked all Americans to offer meaningful volunteer service in support of their country and communities. There was a phenomenal response by medical volunteers offering their skills in managing the after effects of the September 11th attacks. Lessons learned post event emphasized the critical need for organizing these healthcare professionals for emergency deployment or to supplement personnel assisting with local public health endeavors.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was founded that same year and is comprised of primarily medical and public health professionals (practicing or retired) such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. Other vital members can include clergy, interpreters, administrative assistants, and legal advisors without medical training, but who can assist with various essential support functions.
MRC units are local, community based and members donate their time and expertise with disaster response (man made and natural) or in assisting with local public health initiatives throughout the year. The Medical Reserve Corps is a partner program with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security and health. Other Citizen Corps members include the American Red Cross and Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT). All MRC's are managed by a local Coordinator and report to the Office of the Surgeon General. Currently there are over 713 units nationwide comprised of over 146,000 volunteers ready to assist when needed. Currently, Florida has 28 MRC units throughout the state and additional sites are being planned.
Our local Collier County Medical Reserve Corps was established in 2003 and includes both healthcare and nonmedical volunteers. Supported by the Collier County Health Department, our MRC is intended to augment local public healthcare needs and Emergency Preparedness activities. An important benefit of being an MRC Medical Volunteer includes Sovereign Immunity, allowing the same liability protection as afforded to state employees and workers' compensation coverage during related activities.
Volunteers have assisted in local response to hurricanes by staffing our Special Needs Shelter and have even been deployed out of county to help our affected neighbors in state. Activities throughout the year can include participating in general vaccination clinics, school screenings, response training or participating in county wide disaster exercises. Volunteers meet quarterly for meeting/training sessions.
Please contact us for more information! New Volunteers are welcome throughout the year.