Monroe Co. MI: Agency seeks volunteers for medical reserve corps

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Source: http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs....WS01/422715125

Agency seeks volunteers for medical reserve corps
by Danielle Portteus , last modified June 23. 2008 11:48AM
A local organization is seeking volunteers to assist during public health crises.

The Monroe County Health Department Emergency Preparedness Division created a medical reserve corps unit in February to assist during public health emergencies. The medical reserve corps is a nationwide program created to help communities during times of need.

Dr. Tatyana Ivanova, public health preparedness director for the Monroe County Health Department, said so far there are 42 registered volunteers - but more volunteers are needed.

"We are looking particularly for those who are in the medical field," she said. "But anyone can volunteer."

Volunteers must be at least 18. Health professionals - including nurses, physicians, physical therapists, dentists and paramedics - were sent letters explaining the new organization.

Volunteers will attend an orientation and training session, where they will learn about public health and how to assist in emergencies. For example, if a massive flu outbreak occurred, volunteers would be trained in how to properly distribute vaccinations, Dr. Ivanova said.

The training is free, and volunteers will be given opportunities to participate in drills and emergency exercises throughout the year. The training is mandatory, but participation in addition activities is not required.

There are 15 registered units in Michigan and more than 700 units nationwide.

The program was created after President Bush's State of the Union address in 2002, where he asked Americans to volunteer to serve the country, the Web site said. The group is in partnership with Citizen Corps, a group of volunteers to protect national security.

For more information or to register, visit www.co.monroe.mi.us/publichealthMRC or e-mail the planning team at MRC@monroemi.org.

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Re: Monroe Co. MI: Agency seeks volunteers for medical reserve corps

Source: http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs....149996/-1/NEWS

In case of emergency ...
by Michelle Swartz , last modified December 13. 2008 10:41PM
Public health emergencies come without warning.

If it ever happens, the Monroe County Health Department Public Health Preparedness Division wants to have a team of volunteers ready to assist.

"If there is a large-scale emergency in the county, we need a core of volunteers we can call upon to help us out," said Emily Lapham, associate for Public Health Preparedness, which is based at the Monroe County Health Department. "Only 65 people work at the health department, and we would need a lot more people to handle an emergency."

The division is asking residents to help in case of a public health emergency by becoming a volunteer for the Monroe County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The program is part of nationwide organization developed to strengthen communities by establishing a system for medical and public health volunteers to offer their expertise.

"Anyone is welcome to join. It would be beneficial if you have a health professional background, but it's not required," said Ms. Lapham, coordinator of the local MRC.

The roles of the volunteers are vital when an emergency, such as a flu pandemic or nuclear release, occurs locally. One staff alone could require 90 volunteers to help in several capacities, such as dispensing medicine, assisting in a triage unit and other duties.

"It's a big project. You need a lot of people," she explained.

The Monroe County MRC unit is one of 14 units in Michigan and one of 785 units nationwide. The local MRC formed last February by the efforts of Tatyana Ivanova, MRC director and Public Health Preparedness director.

"She read about it and thought it would be a good idea to have a local program here to serve as a great resource for the county," Ms. Lapham said.

MRC was formed after the tragedies of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. It was founded after President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address.

"After 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, a lot of people came out asking how they could help, but there was no way to verify anyone or keep track of all the volunteers," she explained. "The MRC was formed so it would be more organized and people can sign up to help instead of everyone showing up at one time asking what they can do to help."

Led by Ms. Lapham, an orientation was held Dec. 1 at the Monroe County Health Department. Several people attended the session to learn more about the program.

Potential MRC volunteers must be 18 or older and take two online courses that are simple to pass, according to Ms. Lapham. Upon the completion of the course, volunteers will be given their certification. A criminal background check is required.

Duties of the volunteer service will depend on the type of emergency, such as floods, tornados, bioterrorism, communicable disease outbreaks, chemical release or nuclear release. Volunteers choose how much they wish to participate. They either can be called on during emergencies only or both emergencies and exercises/drills. Roles are assigned to volunteers based on experience and training.

"Trainings and drills will be offered to help prepare volunteers," Ms. Lapham explained during the meeting. "You also have the choice of being deployed to an emergency in another part of the state."

Renee Vicari of Monroe attended the Dec. 1 orientation. A registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center in Dearborn, Mrs. Vicari intends to join the local MRC to put her job skills to good use.

"It's important to have a system in place in case anything happens here," she said. "If there is such a need, I want to help out the community in any way I can."

Rochelle Watkins of Monroe also attended the orientation. She read about the program from a pamphlet.

"I want to help. I'm a licensed practical nurse (at a nursing home in Taylor), so I would like to help out if I can," she said after the orientation.

Additional orientation sessions will be scheduled in 2009.

"We have 15 people registered or in the process of becoming registered, plus the people attending today's orientation," Ms. Lapham said after the Dec. 1 session. "It's a good start, but we want to sign up as many people as we can."

Growing up in Carleton and now living in Monroe, Mrs. Vicari is pleased with the opportunity to help out her hometown.

"Hopefully there won't be an emergency where they need my services," she said. "But if there is, I would be more than happy to give back to the community."

o Help county be prepared for emergencies by volunteering for Medical Reserve Corps