The Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps (MMRC) is part of a national network of community-based units who contribute to local health initiatives and assist in response during public health emergencies.
About the MRC
The national Medical Reserve Corps is sponsored by the Office of the Surgeon General of the United States, and guided by the Surgeon General's Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps Office. The MRC was founded after President Bush's 2002 State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their country. The MRC is a partner program of Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. Citizen Corps, along with the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Peace Corps, are part of the President's USA Freedom Corps, which promotes volunteerism and service nationwide.
As of February 16, 2010, there were 878 local MRC units and more than 200,000 volunteers. MRC units are present in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Guam, Palau, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Local MMRC Units
- MS Radiation Response Volunteer Corps (MRRVC)
- North Central MS Medical Reserve Corps (NCMMRC)
- Lee County Medical Reserve Corps (LCMRC)
- MS Veterinary Medical Reserve Corps (MVMRC)
- MS Gulf Coast Medical Reserve Corps (MGCMRC)
Start a Local Unit
To start an MRC unit, first determine whether there is a unit in your local area by checking the Medical Reserve Corps web site.
If there is no MRC unit in your area, you can start one by contacting the MRC coordinator at the MSDH Office of Emergency Planning and Response at 601-933-6872. Volunteers need not have medical backgrounds. Units often include chaplains to assist with mental health activities; attorneys to assist with addressing issues of liability; and IT personnel to assist with database management.
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