Medical Reserve Corps of Essex County
The formation of the Medical Reserve Corps of Essex County was
precipitated by the events of September 11, 2001. This catastrophic event
turned into a public health emergency that could not be met adequately enough
by the support system in place. The system was overwhelmed by a lack of
coordination and organization of resources. The Office of the US Surgeon
General has since launched a Medical Reserve Corp program initiative in order
to effectively train volunteers as a team.
The Essex County MRC is composed of volunteer medical and
non-medical support personnel who respond to natural disasters, terrorist
attacks, disease outbreaks or any other public health emergency. The Essex County Public Health Department
called on its MRC during the 2009-2010 Pandemic Flu to assist with mass
vaccinations.
I think that this is not only a great national initiative,
but an even better one for rural counties nation-wide. Given the isolated
nature and limited access to healthcare in rural communities, it is even more
important to have safety mechanisms in place should a public health emergency
arise. I would love to volunteer in such
a program as a rural physician. Physicians are needed to oversee the medical
care and emergency services provided, as well as to train volunteers with limited
or no medical skill. The average community volunteer plays an integral role in
providing widespread help and it is important to get as many committed people
involved as possible. As a rural physician, I could use my position within the
community to recruit volunteers and to network with other neighboring
communities. Given the rural physician’s connections and place within the community,
the physician’s networking skills would be just as valuable as their medical
skills.
