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1. What is the Medical Reserve Corps?

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program was founded in July 2002. It is part of a national initiative that provides a structure for volunteers to offer their expertise and serve as a team during times of emergency or need in their own community.

Each MRC is a local volunteer unit that brings together people who have medical, public health, behavioral health or other skills to supplement existing health and emergency response personnel. This team of volunteers is trained and available to respond locally in a public health emergency.

MRC units exist across the country, in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Each MRC unit conducts its role in the way that best suits the unique challenges for its area. Members may also choose to support communities in need in other areas of the state or country, as many did during hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program is the national office of the MRC and is housed within the Office of Emergency Management's (OEM) Partner Readiness and Emergency Programs (PREP) Division, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The MRC Program supports the MRC network by providing technical assistance, coordination, communications, strategy and policy development, grants and contract oversight, training and other associated services. It functions as a clearinghouse for information and best practices to help communities establish, implement, and maintain MRC units in order to achieve their local visions for public health and emergency preparedness.

2. What is the Burlington County Medical Reserve Corps (BCMRC)?

The mission of the Burlington County Medical Reserve Corps (BCMRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities by organizing and utilizing public health, medical, and other volunteers.

One aspect of the BCMRC is to enhance the County’s emergency preparedness by ensuring that a trained group of healthcare professionals and community volunteers are ready to respond to public health emergencies. Another is to support the health department and community health promotion throughout the year.

Anyone can join the MRC! BCMRC now has about 700 members who are categorized as healthcare professionals or community health members. Our membership includes nurses, physicians, pharmacists, clerical, translators, social workers, mental health professionals, and many more!

BCHD ensures that our volunteers are trained, credentialed, and ready to respond when needed.

3. Who can volunteer?

Anyone with an interest in public health! We need licensed or certified health care professionals (practicing or retired). We also need community volunteers such as interpreters, chaplains, social workers and support staff.

You must live or work in Burlington County.

4. What are the benefits to my community?

Major health emergencies can overwhelm local resources during the first 12 to 72 hours. Citizens who are trained and prepared to take care of themselves, their family, and others will ensure that our community is safer, stronger and better prepared.

Additionally, you can help take part in public health efforts to improve the health of your community. Events such as clinics, screenings, health fairs, and community outreach are held throughout the year in many parts of Burlington County.

5. What does a BCMRC volunteer do?

MRC members may help in critical ways. They may:

- Conduct medical screening or evaluation
- Give vaccine or medicine
- Answer questions in a hotline call center
- Provide behavioral health support
- Help with mass patient care in shelters, clinics or hospitals
- Assist with disease control measures, such as case finding and monitoring
- Clerical support
- Translation services
- Other duties as assigned

Volunteers may be asked to respond during large and small-scale emergencies, such as an influenza pandemic, a bioterrorism event, a severe storm that requires the county to open mass shelters, or other event that overwhelms community resources.

The BCMRC makes every effort to match the emergency roles of volunteers with their professional skills and licensure. In addition, all volunteers are given specific training for response and, if necessary, are provided with medication, vaccine or equipment to protect themselves.