Be a Public Health Hero. Become an MRC Volunteer.
Vision: A strong and collaborative network of dedicated volunteers committed to building resilient communities, reducing disaster risks, and enhancing preparedness for a safer and more resilient Howard County, Maryland.
Mission: To train, organize and deploy a network of volunteers in response to the health needs of Howard County in order to assist the local community during public health initiatives and emergencies through the rapid and coordinated activation of trained and credentialed volunteers.
Goals: Recruit and Retain Diverse Professionals, Emergency Preparedness and Response Training, Public Health and Safety Advocacy.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program was officially launched as a national, community-based movement in July 2002. It was formed in response to President Bush's State of the Union Address, in which he asked all Americans to volunteer in support of their county and community.
The Howard County MRC is used to supplement existing public health and medical staffing for flu clinics and other activities within the Health Department as well as, emergency or disaster-regardless of cause.
These medical and non-medical volunteers assist with a multitude of things from preparing for and responding to extreme weather conditions, such as hurricanes, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. In addition, MRC volunteers work at health department community immunization clinics, man tables at community outreach events and assist with day-to-day health department operations. They are even able to respond to State of Maryland emergency preparedness activities and operations should that be requested. Volunteers are able choose their level of participation.
The MRC also plans community health activities that promote healthy habits.
For more information or questions, call 410-313-6284 or email at HoCoMRC@howardcountymd.gov
Volunteer Opportunities!
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Event |
Date & Time | Location | Link |
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Request MRC Volunteers for your organization's public health event
Howard County MRC volunteers may be able to assist your organization with an upcoming event. Complete this request form to let us know what your needs are and you will receive a response within 72 hours from our team with the next steps. Submissions must be completed at least 2 weeks before the event. Questions should be emailed to hocomrc@howardcountymd.gov.
Criteria to qualify for MRC assistance:
- The requesting agency provides a service which promotes or supports public health initiatives in Howard County.
- The event for which assistance is being sought does not conflict with other planned HCMRC activities.
- The requesting agency’s mission may not conflict with the mission of the HCHD, or the HC MRC.
Examples of Public Health Initiatives:
- Health Fairs
- School-based flu vaccinations
- Outreach initiatives
- Community education