What is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
MRC units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. For additional information please visit http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage
When and Why was the MRC enacted
The MRC was founded after President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. It is a partner program with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. For additional information please visit http://www.citizencorps.gov/
Specific TriCounty MRC Target Areas
MRC units are provided specific areas to target that strengthen the public health infrastructure of their communities by the U.S. Surgeon General. These are outlined priorities for the health of individuals, and the nation as a whole, which also serve as a guide to the MRC. The overarching goal is to improve health literacy, and in support of this, we work towards increasing disease prevention, eliminating health disparities, and improving public health preparedness.
Who can Volunteer for the TriCountry MRC
TriCounty MRC– It takes a lot to protect the health and safety of nearly 47,000 thousand people. That’s why TriCounty Health Department works daily developing programs and testing plans to protect TriCounty citizens during a public health crisis. But in a public health emergency, every helping hand can make a difference in reducing illness and saving lives.
The TriCounty Medical Reserve Corps is always looking for both medical and non-medical volunteers to help make Daggett, Duchesne and Uintah counties, healthier and better prepared in the event of major disaster. You don’t need a medical background or any special skills to be a part of the MRC, just a willingness to help in a time of need. Unpredictable acts of man or nature can quickly impact our community and could possible overwhelm our health care system, During times of crisis, the MRC plays a critical role in helping to keep our health care system running smoothly by meeting the needs of not only TriCounty residents, but also persons who may be temporarily relocated to our area during a disaster elsewhere.
MRC volunteers come from many different walks of life. Their common bond is their willingness to serve during a time of need. MRC volunteers receive free training on how to support public health and other first responders during a health crisis. "The TriCounty MRC training program allows me to train, prepare, and instruct others in the protection of my family, friends and neighbors,”
MRC Volunteers fill many critical roles during a disaster; from greeting and directing people to registration and triage stations, to helping distribute medicine, food or supplies, to managing traffic flow and parking volume, to answering phones, to making sure people feel comfortable and safe. Persons who speak languages other than English or who know sign language is needed to serve as interpreters.
Anyone who is 18 years old or older, who is interested in helping your community, has good customer service skills, and works well in a team is invited to be a part of the TriCounty Medical Reserve Corps.
How do I apply to become a TriCounty MRC Volunteer
Please contact Rob Grove – TriCounty Health Department MRC Coordinator at (435) 247-1170 or by email at rgrove@utah.gov
To join the TriCounty Medical Reserve Corps you will be asked to complete the following:
Volunteer Application
- Complete the induction interview
- Sign and return these forms:
- Confidentiality Agreement
- Receipt of Orientation Manual
- Photo Release Form
- Receive written verification of acceptance. Our MRC does verification and background checks on all applicants. The process takes one to two weeks.
We also invite you to register for:
- MRC-Train: This is your training resource. Enrollment is free and self-explanatory on the following website: https://www.mrc.train.org (Begin by clicking on “create account.”)
- Through this site, you can:
- Quickly find and register for many courses listed on Train.org and participating TRAIN affiliate sites
- Track your learning with personal online transcripts
- Access valuable materials, course reviews, and discussions to improve your learning experience, and
- Stay informed of the latest public health trainings for your area of expertise
- UNIS: The Utah Notification and Information System (UNIS) enables users from various statewide agencies, organizations and disciplines to send and receive notifications, collaborate and share critical information. http://health.utah.gov/unis/
- UHVR: The Utah Healthcare Volunteer Registry facilitates healthcare personnel and professionals who wish to volunteer during a time of emergency or disaster. https://healthvolunteers.utah.gov/ems/
Other related Sites
http://www.utahmrc.org/
http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HomePage
Monthly News letter
MRC Identification Badge Information
MRC Bi-Monthly Meeting Schedule
Contact Us
http://publicsafety.utah.gov/homelandsecurity/utahhazards/uhindex.html
www.redcross.org
www.bt.cdc.gov
www.ready.gov
https://www.utah.train.org
UNIS – Utah Notification and Information System
CodeRed