What is the MRC?
The Medical Reserve Corps is a specialized component of the Citizen Corps, a federally-sponsored program that encourages volunteerism. The national program was officially launched in July 2002 and there are now almost 200 MRC units serving their communities across the USA. The MTMRC uses volunteers to help strengthen the capacity of the Middle Tennessee region to prepare and respond to disaster situations as well as serve other health care needs of our community. The MTMRC does not compete with other community agencies, but rather supplements the existing community health care resources.
*********************************************** Often, the first response to a disaster is a local response. After September 11, 2001, America saw an outpouring of willing volunteers who were able to provide essential services in a time of tragedy. As a result of this, the Bush administration set up Citizen Corps. The MRC is a component of the Citizen Corps, which was formed through the federal government’s USA Freedom Corps. The purpose of the Medical Reserve Corps is to recruit and train volunteers to make our communities better prepared to respond to any public health emergency situation. The MRC provides a unique opportunity for community members to participate in a wide range of public-hearth related activities. Trained volunteers assist existing health department staff during large scale public health emergencies, such as influenza outbreaks, a bioterrorism attack, or any other hazardous situation. The MRC also educates its volunteers in ways to make their families and homes safe
The mission of the center is to support the needs and concerns of students who have been historically disenfranchised from higher education—students of color, LGBT students, and first generation, low-income students. To that end, the MRC has become a dynamic hub that supports, connects, and educates student organizations, college offices, academic departments and programs, alumni, and community members and organizations. Whether you are looking for more information, resources, collaborative partners, or just a great place to hang out and meet people, we hope you’ll make the MRC your first stop.
