The national Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program was established after President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. Following 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, literally thousands of well meaning Americans rushed to offer assistance to the helpless victims, but many were turned away because they had not been trained to respond in concert with emergency responders at the state, local and federal levels. The Medical Reserve Corps is the mechanism that we use to ensure that when large numbers of Americans are injured or exposed to a health hazard, they can be treated or cared for expeditiously. Though we have a significant need for medical people with all specialties, we also need a team of non-medical people to support their efforts during a disaster as well. Because of the large psychological impact disasters have, Behavioral Health personnel are also an extremely important piece of the puzzle to planning and response.

Minnesota Responds MRC is a partnership that integrates local, regional, and statewide volunteer programs to assist our public health and healthcare systems during a disaster. It is part of a national initiative to coordinate and mobilize health volunteers to respond to emergencies. Whether you are licensed or certified in a health field, active or retired, or a person with an interest in assisting in a health response, we invite you to become a member. Signing up does not commit you to any one response, rather makes you another potential resource that can be called upon during a time of need.

To apply today, please visit www.mnresponds.org!

Mission:

The Mission of the Northeast MN Responds Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to recruit, train, and utilize volunteers to support Public Health and Healthcare Systems.

Goals:

1. Recruit volunteers for potential roles in advance, enabling a prompt and effective emergency response

2. Train volunteers for potential roles in advance, enabling a prompt and effective emergency response

3. Utilize volunteers throughout the year in non-emergency capacities to strengthen relationships and support the overall health and preparedness of the NE Region