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.
I have never heard of the Medical Reserve Corp on either a national or county level. This sounds like an amazing idea and one that many people would eagerly support. I agree 100% with your commentary on the importance a group like this could have for a rural community and the crucial role a physician would have. This is such a great example of teamwork that connects not only health care team members but non-health care people as well. Thinking back to my own childhood in a rural community I can think of many times a group like this could come together to help the community. I would certainly join a group like this now and in the future!
ReplyDeleteI think that this type of healthcare team is unique because it combines medical and non-medical members. I agree with Adriana that this is a very good idea, especially in rural settings. This actually reminds me of certain initiatives started in under served nations where access to healthcare is so sparse that volunteer groups train community members how to handle medical emergencies. These programs have had enormous success, so I definitely see a future for the expansion of Medical Reserve Corps.
ReplyDeleteThis is so cool! I actually got to attend a meeting with a group like this this summer. People with all different kinds of roles in the community got together to go over the plan of action for massive emergency situations. It's amazing that people with all different sets of skills are now prepared to work together, contributing their specific skills in specific roles in a time of crisis. It is reassuring to know that such organization and teamwork exists, so that we may be better prepared to care for each other if ever/whenever disaster strikes.
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