What is MRC?
MRC, also known as the Medical Reserve Corps, is a national network of more than 300,000 volunteers who organize locally to improve the health and safety of their communities.

MRC volunteers donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and to support ongoing preparedness initiatives.

Why is the MRC Needed?
The need for the MRC was highlighted in the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Medical professionals and other community members were eager to volunteer in support of emergency relief activities but found that there was no organized approach to channel their efforts. As a result, the MRC was established to provide a way to recruit, train, and activate volunteers to respond to community health needs during disasters and other public health emergencies.

Who can join the MRC?
You don’t have to be a medical or public health professional to join! The MRC accepts all volunteers 18 years or older.

Why should I join the MRC?
You’ve worked hard in your career to master a variety of skills – in medicine, public health, safety, logistics, communications or other areas. Volunteering with the Medical Reserve Corps is a simple and effective way to use and improve those skills while helping to keep your family, friends and neighbors safe and healthy. For example, you may put those skills to use during an emergency or while providing services for the most vulnerable members of your community.

What would I do as an MRC volunteer?
MRC volunteers train ─ individually and with other members of the unit ─ to improve their skills, knowledge and abilities. The training is a combination of coursework and in-person activities such as a drill or exercise conducted with partner organizations in the community.

Many MRC volunteers assist with activities to improve public health in their community – increasing health literacy, supporting prevention efforts, and eliminating health disparities. In emergency situations local resources get called upon first, sometimes with little or no warning. As a member of an MRC unit, you can be part of an organized and trained team that responds during a disaster or public health emergency. You will be ready and able to bolster local emergency planning and response capabilities.

The specific role that you will play, and the activities in which you will participate, will depend upon your background, interests and skills, as well as the needs of the MRC unit and the community.

Further Questions? Check out the National MRC page: aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/Pages/index.aspx

Delaware County MRC Unit #1307

Our Mission:
The Delaware County Medical Reserve Corps will aid in times of need and at the request of local healthcare and health service agencies, the local chapter of the American Red Cross, and local emergency management agencies to better protect and promote the health of all who live, work, and attend school in our county.

Our Vision:
The Delaware County MRC seeks to support the existing medical response infrastructure, and to improve the health of Delaware County citizens, especially during times of disaster and great community need.  Should our assistance be requested, we will also support the health needs of other communities across the nation, during times of emergency. We will train our volunteers and leaders in emergency preparedness and other public health support functions, so that when the need arises, we are ready to serve. There will be special training available to assist populations often overlooked in emergency preparedness including children, those with functional and access needs, and the elderly.