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Medical Reserve Corps
What is a Medical Reserve Corps?
A Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a community-based network of volunteers that assists public health efforts in times of special need or disaster, e.g. during a major communicable disease outbreak, an earthquake, flood, or an act of terrorism. Members of an MRC may also volunteer their time throughout the year in order to promote community public health and education.

What does a Medical Reserve Corps do?
MRCs bring volunteers together to supplement existing local emergency plans and resources. In order to be effective during times of emergency, volunteers must be organized and trained to work in emergency situations. The MRC is designed to provide that organizational structure and promote appropriate training of volunteers according to local community needs and vulnerabilities.

Who volunteers for a Medical Reserve Corps?
MRCs may be comprised of any variety of individuals depending on community need. Volunteers may include, but are not limited to, current or retired health professionals (such as physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, dentists, dental assistants, pharmacists, veterinarians), social workers, communications/public relations professionals, health care administrators, clergy, etc. Bottom line – anyone with an interest in helping their community may volunteer in their local MRC.

How does the Medical Reserve Corps program fit in to current disaster preparedness efforts?
The Medical Reserve Corps is a specialized component of Citizens Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to making sure their families, homes and communities are safe from terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds. Citizen Corps is part of USA Freedom Corps. USA Freedom Corps is the cornerstone of President Bush’s volunteer service initiative that promotes a culture of service and citizenship. For more information about the USA Freedom Corps and Citizens Corps check out their websites at http://www.usafreedomcorps.gov/ and http://www.citizencorps.gov/.

Informational Resources:
The following publications are part of the US Health and Human Services MRC Technical Assistance Series developed by the USHHS Office of the Surgeon General. They are found at: http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/

  • Getting Started: A Guide for Local Leaders
  • Organizing an MRC Unit: Operational Components and the Coordinator’s Role
  • Coordinating With Your Local Response Partners
  • Developing Volunteer Relationships and Capabilities
  • Establishing and Maintaining Your MRC Unit’s Organization

National Point of Contact: LCDR April Kidd, MRC Program Officer, AKidd@osophs.dhhs.gov

Questions?
The Emergency Medical Services Agency (EMSA) is the department responsible for MRC coordination across California.

Current State-Registered California Medical Reserve Corps: (Click for Map)


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