Volunteers Needed for Local Medical Reserve Corps

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers – medical professionals and others – who want to volunteer their time and expertise to promote healthy living throughout the year and to prepare for and respond to any emergencies. MRC volunteers supplement existing local emergency and public health resources. The Medical Reserve Corps is a component of USA Freedom Corps, which was an initiative of President George W. Bush following the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001. In the event of an attack on the community, volunteers would be mobilized to help in the management and treatment of mass casualties.

MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinary professionals and epidemiologists. Other community members, such as interpreters, chaplains, office workers, and legal advisors, can fill a variety of vital support positions.

There are currently 52 volunteers on the local roster, which include health professionals and non-health professionals, some of whom are retired from their jobs, and some still
actively employed. Though nurses and mental health professionals are especially needed at this time, volunteers age 18 and over from any background are encouraged to join.

Sue Graybill, currently serves as Director of the local unit, and is based at Hanover Hospital as part of the Safety & Security Department. The role of our local MRC is to support York and Adams county communities and hospitals in the event of disaster, and to provide community health promotion and outreach, working with flu shot clinics, and health fairs.

All applicants can expect to undergo a confidential criminal background/security check, and will receive training on core competencies over a year's time, which is required by
the federal government in order to maintain our MRC unit. After that, the extent of their service is based on the individual's personal interests, skills, and comfort level. They can
participate as much as their time and interests allow.

Volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in local and regional drills for valuable hands-on training. There is usually one full-scale drill a year, though other smaller scale events take place throughout the year. An open MRC meeting takes place the 3rd Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Hanover Community Health & Education Center, 400 York Street, in Hanover. New members are welcome to attend, as
well as those interested in learning more about the organization. The meetings include a brief business meeting and training session, to help meet core competencies.

According to Sue, the local MRC will also have a role in Pandemic planning and participation. She noted that York County is very involved in emergency preparedness,
and there are 121,540 registered MRC volunteers nationwide. She is looking forward to attending the MRC National Leadership training Conference, joining leaders from 644
MRC units. "I have a passion for what I do...I enjoy it," she said. "I feel the training and volunteerism is worthwhile for the community. It's the only way we will survive [in the
event of a disaster]."

For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps of York and Adams Counties, please call Sue Graybill, at (717) 646-6861.