Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a network of community-based volunteer organizations in the United States that are designed to augment and support public health and emergency response efforts. The specific activities and roles of an MRC can vary from one community to another, but they typically include the following functions:
- Emergency Response: MRC volunteers are trained to respond to public health emergencies and disasters. This could involve assisting with mass vaccination clinics, providing medical care in shelters, or supporting Ross County Health District during crises like pandemics, natural disasters, or manmade disasters.
- Public Health Education: MRC volunteers often engage in community education and outreach to promote public health and disaster preparedness. They may organize workshops, distribute educational materials, and provide information on topics like vaccinations, emergency kits, and evacuation plans.
- Health Screenings and Vaccinations: Many MRC units conduct health screenings and vaccination clinics to improve community health. This can include flu vaccine clinics, blood pressure checks, or screenings for chronic conditions.
- Medical Support for Events: MRC volunteers may provide medical support at community events, such as marathons, festivals, or sporting events, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants.
- Training and Exercises: MRC units often offer training to their volunteers in areas such as disaster response, emergency medicine, and public health. They may also participate in emergency preparedness exercises to practice their skills.
Specialized Roles:
Depending on the community’s needs and the skills of its volunteers, MRC units can have specialized teams, such as medical professionals, mental health professionals, veterinarians, and others who can provide expertise in specific areas during emergencies.
- Healthcare Surge Capacity: In the event of a public health crisis or surge in medical demand, MRC units can be activated to provide additional healthcare resources and personnel to local healthcare systems.
- Community Engagement: MRC volunteers engage with the community to raise awareness about public health issues, recruit new members, and foster a culture of preparedness and resilience.
- Interagency Collaboration: MRCs often collaborate with other emergency response agencies, including emergency management agencies, and first responders, to ensure a coordinated response to emergencies.
The specific activities and roles of an MRC are determined by the needs of the community and the skills and expertise of its volunteers. MRCs play a vital role in enhancing community resilience and public health by providing support during emergencies and promoting health and preparedness year-round.
Please Contact Our Chillicothe/ Ross County MRC Unit Leader today to apply:
Tiffany Singer, BS, EOC, PHEP Coordinator
Ross County & Chillicothe Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator
150 E Second Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
(740) 779.9652 ext.2235