By: centraljersey.com
Community members are invited to attend a recruitment and orientation training program for volunteers for the Somerset County Civilian Medical Reserve Corps from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Somerset County Emergency Services Training Academy, at 402 Roycefield Road in Hillsborough.
"The county civilian MRC plays an integral part in planning response efforts that protect our communities," said Freeholder Patrick Scaglione, health department liaison. "During an emergency, there is a tremendous need for assistance on so many levels. Often times, we don’t realize the beneficial part we can play in helping others, because we take for granted our many talents, which could include organizing skills, the ability to make people feel at ease and administering vaccinations."
The MRC is looking for medical and non-medical volunteers to assist in protecting Somerset County’s more than 320,000 residents. During a disaster, volunteers can play numerous roles, 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.
Training to become a volunteer is free. Attendance at an orientation is mandatory, but participation in additional programs is not. Volunteers are asked to become informed community members and share information with co-workers and families. They may participate in as many drills and emergency exercises as they wish.
To register by Monday and for more information, contact MRC Coordinator Lucille Young-Talbot of the Somerset County Health Department at 908-231-7155. Information about the MRC also is available on the MRC Web page at www.co.somerset.nj.us/health/MRCindex.htm.
The Somerset County Department of Health, in partnership with the county Office of Emergency Management, is hosting the program.

