As this year’s National Preparedness Month comes to an end, the Effingham County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is excited to announce a call for new volunteers who are interested in protecting and improving public health in Effingham County.
The Effingham County MRC is part of a national network of approximately 200,000 volunteers dedicated to building strong, safe, and resilient communities. The need for the MRC became apparent after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, when medical and public health professionals – eager to volunteer in support of emergency relief activities – found that there was no organized approach to channel their efforts. The MRC provides the structure to pre-identify, credential, train, and activate volunteers in the event of a disaster or public health emergency.
Since being established in September 2014, the Effingham County MRC’s mission has been to protect and improve the health and safety of our community. Our efforts focus on identifying and training qualified medical & non-medical volunteers to support public health initiatives, local emergency response efforts, and community preparedness activities. Effingham County MRC volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, including:
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Participating in drills, training exercises, and real-life responses to emergencies and disasters.
• Public Health Initiatives: Contributing to resource/health fairs, vaccination clinics, and health education events aimed at promoting community well-being.
• Training and Development: Participating in virtual and in-person trainings to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas relevant to public health and emergency management.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local organizations and residents to address health needs and improve community preparedness.
Regardless of whether you have a medical background or simply a passion for serving your community, consider volunteering your time with the Effingham County MRC. Our volunteers play an essential role in ensuring that our community is better prepared for any challenges that may come our way.
For more information or to request an application to join the Effingham County MRC, please contact the Effingham County Health Department at (217) 342-9237 and ask for Emergency Preparedness.