If you would like to volunteer to help in times of public health emergencies here in Hudson County, the Medical Reserve Corps is looking for you!
The tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001 and the more recent natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina, in August 2005, have tested the resolve of the American people. Currently our nation is experiencing the second wave of the world’s first pandemic in more than 40 years.
Many citizens wanted to help in some way as they saw their fellow Americans struggling to regain some kind of normalcy after these notable events. These events brought out the best in the American spirit, and many citizens answered the call for help.
Hudson Regional Health Commission (MRC) volunteers only need to share a minimal amount of time attending meetings and free training. Members are also invited to participate in local public health exercises to practice their knowledge and skills. September is Emergency Preparedness Month – what better time to think about becoming an MRC volunteer?
Medical Reserve Corps units are made of locally based volunteers (with and without a medical background) who can assist their communities during emergencies, such as an influenza epidemic, a chemical spill, or an act of terrorism. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, mental health professionals, dentists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. Other community members, such as interpreters, chaplains, office workers and legal advisors can fill other vital support positions.reservecorps.gov
The Hudson Regional Health Commission MRC was formed in October 2003 and currently has approximately 150 members. Medical Reserve Corps units are dedicated to making sure their families, homes, and communities are safe from terrorism and disasters of all kinds. MRC members would likely be deployed for public health emergencies like an influenza pandemic or bioterrorism event.
Members Active at Spring H1N1 Hotline
Volunteers will have the choice to respond locally only, or to be deployed outside the county. During the first wave of the 2009 H1N1 influenza in the spring, Hudson Regional Health Commission MRC members assisted at the statewide H1N1 Hotline call center, and may be called upon during the vaccine campaign this fall.
MRC members can be deployed in a number of ways. For example, throughout the nation, more than 6,000 Medical Reserve Corps volunteers responded to the response and recovery efforts following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005.
Individuals and families can also prepare on their own by creating their own emergency preparedness “Go-Kits”. These kits should contain enough emergency supplies for three days for each family member and pet. Supplies include water, non-perishable food, medications, a battery operated radio, a flashlight, personal hygiene items and seasonally appropriate clothing. Families with young children may also want to pack games and activities to keep children occupied during the emergency. For a complete list of emergency supplies, please visit the http://www.hudsonregional.org/index.php?menu=bio and click on the “Ready Together NJ” brochure (available in English and Spanish).
The booklet also has suggestions on how to help your family prepare for an emergency. Presentations on public health emergency preparedness are available for Hudson County businesses, civic organizations and community groups and can be arranged by calling the Hudson Regional Health Commission at (201) 223-1133.
Hudson County’s Emergency Management, police, fire, EMS and public health professionals are working hard to identify, train and respond to emergencies that could impact those who live and work here, but more help is needed. Hudson County needs you to be a part of our team!
For more information on the Hudson Regional Health Commission, please visit their website at www.hudsonregional.org and then click on “Medical Reserve Corps” on the menu bar on the left.
Interested individuals can also call Annie McNair, Hudson County MRC Coordinator, at 201-223-1133 or email her at mrc@hudsonregionalhealth.org.