Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers Needed at Health Department

WOOD RIVER — Madison County Health Department is recruiting volunteers to assist during times of emergency or disaster. 

On Sept. 11, the Health Department will host a volunteer orientation and training for its Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The event will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Health Department, 101 E. Edwardsville Road, Wood River. 

Toni Corona, administrator of the Health Department, said as everyone joins together to remember the attacks on the nation from Sept. 11, 2001 the MRC is looking to recruit and train volunteers to support the county in the event of an emergency or disaster. 

“Sept. 11 is a day of history, emotion, and reflection,” Corona said. “For many Americans it is also a day of service that provides an opportunity for citizens to put into action a shared belief — joining together we can make our country stronger and better.”  

She said the Health Department is dedicated to protecting the health of its citizens at all times. 

“We recognize these emergencies are often too large to handle alone,” she said. “The Medical Reserve Corps is part of a national program developed to help local communities during times of emergencies and disasters. 

She said the MRC needs volunteers who are trained and ready. 

“We currently have 325 volunteers,” she said. “Our goal is to reach 600.” 

Volunteers require no medical experience. Volunteers will learn about Public Health Emergency Response, Incident Command System, Strategic National Stockpile, Points of Dispensing, and Personal and Family Preparedness.  To attend the volunteer orientation training advanced registration is required. 

“We want to have volunteers who are prepared to prevent disease and protect the public’s health,” Cathy Paone, Madison County’s Medical Reserve Corps Volunteer Coordinator, said.  “It is critical to our emergency response.” 

Advanced registration is required to attend the training and seating is limited. Registration deadline is Sept. 5. 

Call or email Paone at (618) 296-6096 or cmpaone@co.madison.il.us to register for the training or to sign up to be an MRC Volunteer contact. 

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Madison County Medical Reserve Corps is now part of the Gateway Volunteer Network (GVN) in the bi-state area (Missouri and Illinois). It is a collaborative effort to bring people volunteering for public health emergencies together into one group to increase communication and build a stronger network of volunteers to increase our ability to respond in emergencies. Visit www.facebook.com/gatewayvolunteernetwork for more information and click on the Learn More Save Lives tab to sign up for information about volunteer opportunities in your community. 

To learn more about the Madison County Medical Reserve Corps, visit www.madisonchd.org. and click on the MRC tab. 

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