The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national program founded after President Bush’s 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of they country. It is a specialized component of Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security.

The mission of MRC is to establish teams of local volunteer medical and public health professionals who can contribute their skills and expertise throughout the year as well as during times of community need.

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.

The Medical Reserve Corps program office is headquartered in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. It functions as a clearinghouse for information and best practices to help communities establish, implement and maintain MRC units across the nation.

Members of the MRC complete basic training in Emergency Management, Hazardous Materials, Radio Communications, and Introduction to Disaster Services. Once these basic courses are completed, the members are ready to respond to situations, when called up by Montcalm Emergency Management Services or the American Red Cross. Members are also prepared with a backpack of supplies, a uniform, and identification so they will be ready to respond to most situations. These dedicated volunteers will be invaluable when an emergency situation occurs that overtaxes our capable first responders. The MRC can provide assistance in the field, in Neighborhood Emergency Health Centers, Mass Care Centers, or Shelters.

The Montcalm Medical Reserve Corps is actively recruiting medical and public health care professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, dentists, veterinarians, epidemiologists and others in medical and public health occupations. If you would like more information about the Montcalm Medical Reserve Corps or to join, contact Pamela Boody at 989.831.3538.