Broome County Recruits for Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department wants to strengthen its local capacity to respond to emergencies and is seeking volunteers to join the Broome County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is a committed group of volunteers, with both medical and non-medical backgrounds, who can be called upon to help during public health emergencies.

Past and recent events, such as the flood of 2006, the tragic 2009 shootings at the American Civic Association, and most recently, the 2009/2010 H1N1 pandemic flu epidemic that swept the nation, have shown us the value of having a local group of volunteers who are trained and ready to respond to anything, including natural disasters, terrorism, and disease outbreaks.

Having a plan in place with volunteers who can be counted on is critical to a well-coordinated community effort. MRC volunteers become certified and pre-credentialed, enabling them to hit the ground running in the event of an emergency—unlike during the 9/11 tragedy and Hurricane Katrina, when many uncertified volunteers were not able to assist.

“We currently have 50 members registered with the Broome County MRC, and we would like to see our membership double in 2011,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department. “The Broome County MRC is essential in helping protect the health of our community.”

Examples of volunteer roles may include but are not limited to:

Medical roles:

Dispensing antibiotics
Injecting vaccines
Reviewing health histories
Providing mental health support
Conducting medical screening
Performing patient examinations
Patient care
Triage
Basic life support

Non-medical roles:

Inventory control
Medical and non-medical supply management
Pharmaceutical inventory management
Transporting patients
Setting up hospital equipment
Assisting people with paperwork
Greeting and directing people through a medication center
Providing interpretation services

Anyone interested in becoming part of the Broome County MRC should contact Leigh Ann Scheider at the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.3944 or e-mail lscheider@co.broome.ny.us. For additional information visit the Broome County Health Department’s website at www.gobroomecounty.com/ep/mrc.

Posted: 1/5/2011 10:05 am

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