What is the Medical Reserve Corps?

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a community-based volunteer unit of medical and non-healthcare professionals who can assist local public health agencies with public health needs and who can be activated during emergencies.  To learn more, visit the federal Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness & Response, https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC. 

Why do we need MRC?

After the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001, and the anthrax attacks following in the fall, many Americans responded by volunteering to help. Although there were several qualified medical and public health professionals eager to help with the relief efforts, they could not be utilized because they had not been identified under the emergency management system, trained and credentialed in advance.

In response to the need for medically trained professionals who can be trained and pre-identified to respond to public health emergencies, the Medical Reserve Corps was formed in 2002, in cooperation with the White House's USA Freedom Corps. Non-healthcare community members can also join the MRC and be trained to volunteer in a non-medical capacity.

Who can join the MRC?

Many types of volunteers are needed for the Medical Reserve Corps. Although people with medical training and licenses are specifically needed, people with clerical and other skills are also needed to staff clinics and provide support services. The only age restriction for MRC volunteers is that they must be 18 years of age or older. Retirees are welcome!

Do MRC volunteers receive training?

As an MRC volunteer, you will receive training and education on various topics such as incident command, bioterrorism, mass clinic operations, infectious disease, and emergency preparedness and response, as well as the opportunity to participate on web-based trainings.

What level of commitment must I make?

The Warren County Health Department realizes that practicing and retired professionals have many demands on their time and attempt to maintain a flexible program that requires a minimal amount of time spent attending meetings and receiving training. Many opportunities exist to receive web-based training at home via the Internet. There are opportunities for classroom training as well. Hands-on training will be available through participation in emergency response exercises and mass clinic operations.

Who is responsible for the MRC?

The Warren County Medical Reserve Corps is under the supervision of the Warren County Health Department and the lead unit coordinator is Helen Batch, RN.

How do I become a MRC volunteer?

If you would like to join the Warren County Medical Reserve Corps, please register at https://njlmn.njlincs.net.  

For more information or for questions, call (908) 475-7960 Helen Batch, email hbatch@co.warren.nj.us.