Somerset County, New Jersey

The Medical Reserve Corps Needs You


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. 

  • MRC units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources.
     
  • MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. Many community members—interpreters, chaplains, office workers, legal advisors, and others—can fill key support positions.
     
  • The county civilian MRC plays an integral part in planning response efforts that protect our communities.  During emergencies, many talents that we may take for granted can be used to help others and make a huge difference. The MRC is looking for medical and non-medical volunteers to assist in protecting Somerset County’s more than 320,000 residents.  During a disaster, volunteers can play numerous roles, including greeting, calming, and directing people to registration and  triage stations; helping package and distribute medications and instructions; managing traffic flow and parking volume;  managing inventory; answering phones; and making sure people are comfortable and safe. 

 

  • Medical persons would be utilized under the auspices of their licenses or in another capacity, should the need arise.  Also, people who speak other languages or know sign language can use these skills to act as interpreters Training to become a volunteer is free.  Attendance at an orientation is mandatory, but participation in additional programs is not. 

The Somerset County Health Department is seeking volunteers for the Medical Reserve Corps Program.   Retired and active medical, allied health professionals and other non-medical volunteers are encouraged to apply.
For more information, contact MRC Coordinator Lucille Young-Talbot of the Somerset County Health Department at 908-231-7155.  Information about the MRC also is available on the MRC Web page at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health/MRCindex.htm