Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
Volunteers building Strong, Healthy and Prepared Communities
What is the Medical Reserve Corps?
The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers.
The Medical Reserve Corps was founded after President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. It is a partner program with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. Citizen Corps, along with AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, and the Peace Corps are part of the President's USA Freedom Corps, which promotes volunteerism and service nationwide.
Saratoga County's Board of Supervisors approved the formation of the local MRC. The Saratoga County MRC supports Public Safety and assists with public outreach and education to build the MRC and encourages volunteerism within the county.
The Saratoga County MRC is composed of both medical and non-medical volunteers. All levels of skills are needed to assist the community in the event of a major disaster.
In a disaster or major emergency, volunteers would be needed for activities that support disaster relief groups, community safety organizations, emergency medical services and community public health efforts.
Both individuals with medical training and non-medical volunteers are needed.
Both individuals with medical training and non-medical volunteers are needed.
Become a Saratoga County Medical Reserve Corp Volunteer
Volunteer Opportunities
MRC volunteers may serve a vital role by assisting their local health department and community with ongoing public health initiatives.
Saratoga County Public Health Services Activities
- Education Committee –
- First 72 Hours presentation;
- Saratoga County Fair
- Annual Update Committee
- Flu Clinics/Point of Dispensing site/Shelter Committee
Interested in volunteering or need more information?
Call our Volunteer Coordinator Barb DiGangi (518) 584-7460, Ext. 365 or email Barb at bdigangi@saratogacountyny.gov or click here to register as a MRC volunteer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register as a volunteer?
Anyone who works or lives in Saratoga County interested in making our community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
Do I need any special skills to volunteer?
No. Both individuals with medical training and non-medical volunteers are needed.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Volunteers can chose roles that match their skills, interests and availability. Roles might include:
Anyone who works or lives in Saratoga County interested in making our community safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to emergencies of all kinds.
Do I need any special skills to volunteer?
No. Both individuals with medical training and non-medical volunteers are needed.
What will I do as a volunteer?
Volunteers can chose roles that match their skills, interests and availability. Roles might include:
- Assistance with the distribution of medicines & supplies at Points of Dispensing Sites (PODS).
- Translation services
- Mass casualty and Trauma Care
- Mental Health Support
- Administrative & Support roles.
- Community safety and preparedness education
- Assistance with Community Public Health activities
- Many other important jobs.
What are the time requirements?
There is no set time commitment to be a MRC volunteer. Volunteers serve at their level of interest, time and training.
What kind of training will I receive?
Volunteers receive an initial 1.5 hour orientation which includes an overview of MRC roles, responsibilities and assignment, activation & reporting procedures. Additional trainings are offered as classroom and online sessions. You will also receive just in time training if your services are ever needed.
I’m ready, how do I get involved?
Interested in registering as a Saratoga County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer? Register here or call Barb DiGangi (518) 584-7460, Ext. 365 or via email at bdigangi@saratogacountyny.gov for more information.
There is no set time commitment to be a MRC volunteer. Volunteers serve at their level of interest, time and training.
What kind of training will I receive?
Volunteers receive an initial 1.5 hour orientation which includes an overview of MRC roles, responsibilities and assignment, activation & reporting procedures. Additional trainings are offered as classroom and online sessions. You will also receive just in time training if your services are ever needed.
I’m ready, how do I get involved?
Interested in registering as a Saratoga County Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer? Register here or call Barb DiGangi (518) 584-7460, Ext. 365 or via email at bdigangi@saratogacountyny.gov for more information.
Other Links of Interest
The Medical Reserve Corps National site
http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov
http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov
Ready.gov from the US Department of Homeland Security
http://www.ready.gov
http://www.ready.gov
US Department of Homeland Security
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic
CDC Emergency Preparedness and Response
http://www.bt.cdc.gov
http://www.bt.cdc.gov
New York State Emergency Management Office (SEMO)
http://www.semo.state.ny.us
http://www.semo.state.ny.us
Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) Training Site
http://training.fema.gov
http://training.fema.gov
Center of public Health Preparedness, University at Albany, School of Public Health
http://www.ualbanycphp.org
http://www.ualbanycphp.org
New York State Department of Health
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/emergency
http://www.health.state.ny.us/environmental/emergency
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