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About
the MRC
In response to the
outpouring of volunteer support in the days following September 11, 2001, President
George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps to promote volunteerism and service
throughout the U.S. This national initiative is made up of several components
including Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers
dedicated to making sure their families, homes and communities are prepared in
the event of terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds. Medical Reserve Corps
units are community-based and function as a specialized component of Citizen Corps.
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Established in 2003 when the San Bernardino County Medical Society (SBCMS) was awarded a three-year federal grant from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Office of the Surgeon General. The SBCMS enlisted the collaboration of local emergency response agencies and the MRC was formed. |
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Financial support has come from the Federal grant and from a successful fundraising campaign target at local benefactors through Inland Wellness Information Network (IWIN); the SBCMS affiliated 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. |
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Major accomplishments during the MRC's first three years include development of a mission statement, bylaws, policies and procedures; recruitment of over 100 volunteers; offering on-going volunteer training programs; publicity on television and in Southern California Physician magazine, and development of the MRC website. |
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In 2005, the MRC purchased a Cargo Trailer and stocked it with medical equipment and supplies. |
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In 2006 the MRC developed an affiliation with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Although the MRC retains the same leadership structure, there has been an addition of a Sheriff's Corporal to serve in an advisory and supportive capacity and to coordinate MRC activities within the Sheriff's Department. There has also been an addition of the County Public Health Officer to serve in an advisory and supportive capacity. |
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Advantages of the MRC's affiliation with the Sheriff include: Injury and medical liability coverage in both disaster and non-disaster activities (training, practice deployments), criminal background and fingerprint checks on all volunteers, Sheriff's Department MRC Volunteer identification badge recognizable to disaster personnel and agencies, organized equipment storage, maintenance, and licensure, assistance in deployment, and an active on-going liaison with the key public agency involved in local disaster operations. |
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The MRC assists the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Emergency Operations Division in meeting its public safety objective during the normal course of operation, and in times of disaster and emergencies. |
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The MRC provides emergency medical care at the scene of disasters and at triage areas to prevent unnecessary utilization and burden on the already impacted pre-hospital emergency medical response and transport in hospitals and in emergency rooms. |
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The MRC maintains its team in a continued state of response readiness via continuous team member education and training to ensure incident response capabilities. |
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MRC standards assure volunteer capabilities in identified disaster response activities, bringing together the knowledge and skills of many different health professionals. |
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In 2007 the MRC developed a number of working subcommittees:
- Development of Operations
- Media and Communications
- Fundraising, Grants & Public Relations
- Logistics & Supplies
- Recruitment & Orientation
- Volunteer Development and Training Subcommittee
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