Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County’s Health Department is seeking volunteers for its Medical Reserve Corps Unit.

The purpose of the MRC is to supplement the Health Department’s personnel with volunteers that are medically and non-medically trained.  The County’s MRC became a registered unit in the Federal MRC program under the Office of the Surgeon General in 2006.

“Today, keeping our communities safe is more challenging than it ever has been,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “Orange County is very proactive about public safety and the MRC provides another resource when responding to emergencies. We are grateful of these volunteers who help ensure that our communities are safe and prepared for emergencies. I encourage those who are interested to take advantage of this opportunity to be of service.”

The primary mission of the MRC is to assist the Health Department during a public health emergency or a large planned events in the County. Examples of operations or events that the unit could be involved in may include: the mass distribution of antibiotics, antivirals, and vaccine with some of these distribution activities including writing prescriptions, dispensing other medications, conducting vaccinations, providing behavioral health support and assisting with triage and treatment at a field hospital. Non-medical personnel (clerical, translators, logistics, etc.) will also be utilized by the MRC during an emergency or planned event.

Prospective members must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents who are least 16 years old to apply. Upon completing the application process, members must register with the New York State Health Commerce system and ServNY system, complete the online courses: FEMA independent study IS 700, IS 100a and the State Health Department’s Psychological First Aid PFA 100. To retain membership, MRC members must attend four activities annually (trainings or deployments); two of which must be related to Points of Distribution. The unit conducts monthly trainings on the third Wednesday of each month (except December) from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at the County’s Emergency Services Center in Goshen.

For more information or an application, please contact Recruitment Coordinator Pete Graziano at pete.graziano3@gmail.com or Coordinator John Wood Sr., at jwood@orangecountygov.com.

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