Volunteers Sought for County Civilian MRC

Somerset County Board of Freeholders
The Somerset County Department of Health, in partnership with the county Office of Emergency Response, is seeking additional volunteers for its civilian Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). A recruitment and training program is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, located at 402 Roycefield Rd. in Hillsborough. The registration deadline is Feb. 20.
To register or for more information, contact MRC Coordinator Lucille Young-Talbot of the Somerset County Health Department at (908) 231-7155 or visit www.co.somerset.nj.us/health/MRCindex.htm.
“The county civilian MRC plays an integral part in planning response efforts that protect our communities,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Jack M. Ciattarelli, health department liaison.   “During emergencies, many talents that we may take for granted can be used to help others and make a huge difference.” 
The Somerset County MRC, which began in 2001, joins over 792 units nationwide with over 173,000 volunteers. It is part of the Office of Civilian Medical Reserve Corps, under the auspices of the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States. 
“The county MRC currently has over 200 members and we are thankful for their dedication,” said Freeholder Ciattarelli. “However, far more volunteers would be needed to sustain any large-scale unpredictable act of man or nature, a disease outbreak such as a pandemic flu, or any other public health emergency.”
MRC volunteers include medical and non-medical personnel.  Most missions require a mix of both. Missions such as home preparedness and search and rescue require specialized training, which is available to both types of members.
"No matter what the mission is, we like to think that everyone, regardless of their training, has something positive to contribute,” said Mark Grieco, a non-medical volunteer from Franklin Township. “What counts is that you’re a dependable and caring volunteer.”
MRC volunteers are invited to attend free training sessions throughout the year, which are developed by the Somerset County Health Department and its response partners. Training includes testing plans and drills to protect Somerset County’s 320,000-plus residents during a public health emergency. 
The MRC is looking for volunteers to fill numerous roles during a disaster, including greeting, calming, and directing people to registration and triage stations; helping package and distribute medications and instructions; managing traffic flow and parking volume; managing inventory; answering phones; and making sure people are comfortable and safe. 
Medical persons would be utilized under the auspices of their licenses or in another capacity, should the need arise.  Also, people who speak other languages or know sign language can use these skills to act as interpreters. 
Volunteers are required to attend basic MRC training and beyond that may attend as many or as few sessions as they wish.
“I chose to attend trainings on pandemic flu preparedness and planning efforts, shelter operations and many others that were of interest to me,” said Charlotte Shipley, a retired registered nurse from Bridgewater. “I feel as though I am giving back to my community by volunteering during non-emergent times at local flu clinics and other health-related events, sponsored by the county Health Department.” 
The Somerset County MRC works closely with the county Office of Emergency Management, local health officers and other emergency response programs, including Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) and public and private agencies throughout the county.