By dave benjamin
Staff Writer
MANALAPAN — The first meeting of the community’s new volunteer Medical Reserve Corps brought 50 people out to hear representatives of the township board of health and the township mental health department describe plans being made to respond to a large-scale disaster.
The meeting was held Dec. 3 at the Monmouth County Library Headquarters, Symmes Drive.
"The last couple of years have been very scary in and around Manalapan," said Walter Stein, chairman of the board of health. "Tornadoes, terrorist attacks in New York City, anthrax attacks through the mail and forest fires in Ocean County have all hit very close to home."
It was the diversity of those events that led the board of health to consider developing a volunteer health and medical team to supplement the existing emergency response infrastructure in the community, Stein explained.
"The board of health has received great support (for this undertaking) from the New Jersey and National Associations of Local Boards of Health, the New Jersey Public Health Council, and from Mayor Rebecca Aaronson and the Township Committee, " Stein said.
Manalapan Police Chief Jack McCormack, who is the town’s emergency management coordinator, and police Capt. Louis Moreto, deputy emergency management coordinator, were on hand to offer presentations.
McCormack said Manalapan has always benefited from the sincere interest of residents who step forward and give assistance.
Moreto said, "No part is too small to play," and added that in an emergency, everyone is needed. He gave an analogy to the disastrous events of Sept. 11, 2001, and explained the importance of having a backup system.
"Imagine if everyone went, the police and fire (departments) and there was nobody, for example, in public works to do the clean-up. Every part has its place and we appreciate everyone’s help," Moreto said.
Steve Ross, emergency management coordinator for the Englishtown-Manalapan First Aid Squad, said, "The first aid squad is working with existing health care facilities in the township to operate quasi-hospitals, should emergencies occur that overwhelm emergency departments at the neighboring hospitals (CentraState Medical Center, Freehold Township, and Raritan Bay Medical Center, Old Bridge)."
Jeff Gusst, nurse manager in the CentraState Medical Center emergency department, reviewed improvements which are under way at the medical center and are designed to handle large-scale medical emergencies.
Mike Semple, director of emergency services at Raritan Bay Medical Center, explained that facility’s improvements and the medical center’s coordination of direct and secure communication activities through the state hospital system.
Manalapan health officer Dave Richardson said, "It was a wonderful sign that so many people came out on such a bitter night. It really shows the commitment that people have to use their skills and time to help people."