LOYAL. LOCAL. COMPLETE.
The Edgar County Public Health Department (ECPHD) is preparing to introduce a new program called the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The establishment of MRC Unit 2919 marks an exciting milestone in improving emergency preparedness and response for the community. As a national network administered through the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), MRC units provide trained, organized volunteer resources for public health emergencies.
“As a small rural health department area, we want to provide an additional resource, a trained, structured resource,” Connor Dotson, ECPHD Director of Emergency Preparedness and Training, said.
The MRC's goal is to provide a volunteer force to support Edgar County’s local health department and other emergency response agencies during crises.
“If you have a large-scale emergency of any kind, you really have to be prepared to handle that for your first 48 to 72 hours on your own. A lot of people think, ‘Oh yeah, we'll get state, we'll get federal, FEMA, we'll get involved.’ Whoever it is, that takes time, and sometimes you don't have that time in an emergency,” Dotson said. “The whole point of this is to really be able to provide a trained, structured and organized approach.”
Becoming an official MRC unit involves navigating both national and state-level requirements. Edgar County’s applications for both state and national recognition have been approved. Getting approval establishes the structural foundation for the unit. The STTRONG grant, an initiative to support the establishment of new MRC units, has been pivotal in making the Edgar County program a reality. The funding enables the unit to jumpstart activities, including raising awareness, recruitment and training.
“Part of the reason we were actually able to make this program is because (the state is) offering funding to start new units. If you've heard about the STTRONG grant, we got that for new units. We got approved for the award. We just haven't received the funding yet, but we did recently, within the last week or so, get a notification that we were approved for funding to start up the unit. We've got the funding to start; now we're starting to look at getting awareness for the program.”
Despite its name, the Medical Reserve Corps welcomes volunteers from diverse backgrounds—not just those with medical expertise. The program seeks individuals with a wide range of skills and who all share a common desire to help during times of need. Whether someone is a student, bilingual, a skilled tradesperson or simply someone eager to lend a helping hand, there is a place for them in the MRC. The inclusivity reflects the program’s recognition that every skill can play a vital role in an emergency response.
“We're looking for anyone that's really wanting to help. The biggest thing I'll be looking for is ‘Do you want to help in times of need?’ Because that's really what we’re looking for,” Dotson said.
Establishing the Edgar County MRC unit is not just about meeting standard requirements; it’s about creating a lasting resource that empowers the community to face emergencies confidently and effectively.
For those interested in joining the MRC or learning more about the program, Dotson said to stay tuned for upcoming presentations and outreach events. The public's skills, dedication and enthusiasm could make a vital difference in the collective ability to respond to emergencies. Together, Edgar County can build a stronger, more prepared community.