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About the Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC network comprises more than 190,000 volunteers in roughly 800 community-based units located throughout the United States and its territories.

MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds. MRC units engage these volunteers to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities, and build community resiliency. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. They frequently contribute to community health activities that promote healthy habits. Examples of activities that MRC volunteers participate in and support include:

  • Emergency Preparedness and Response Trainings 
  • Mass Dispensing Efforts
  • Emergency Sheltering
  • Vaccination Clinics
  • Responder Rehab
  • Health Education and Promotion
  • Disaster Medical Support
  • Outreach to Underserved Community Members
  • Disaster Risk Reduction
  • Community Event Support
  • Medical Facility Surge Capacity
  • Healthy Living
  • First Aid During Large Public Gatherings
  • Engaging Youth in Public Health Activities
  • Planning, Logistical & Administrative Support
  • Health Screenings
  • Veterinary Support and Pet Preparedness

 

To volunteer or partner with your local MRC, simply visit our Find MRC Units page to locate the unit nearest you. Then contact the unit leader to discuss ways that you could contribute to the local MRC.

Can’t find an MRC in your area? Consider starting or supporting an MRC unit in your community – or find out who to talk to in your local government to make that happen! Contact the MRC Program for more information and guidance at MRCcontact@hhs.gov or 202-692-4724.

The MRC mission is supported by the MRC Program. To learn more about the MRC Program and staff, please visit the About the MRC Program page.


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