NEW( at bottom of this page):  Hurricane Special Need Shelter Deployment Checklist

****2009 H1N1 Swine Flu information... scroll down thi page****

The Medical Reserve Corps (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. MRC units are community-based and function as a way to organize and utilize volunteers who donate their expertise, skills, and time to supplement existing local emergency and public health resources in preparing for and responding to emergencies and promoting healthy living throughout the year.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers include medical and public health professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, health care technicians, dentists, therapists, veterinarians, and epidemiologists. Other community members can fill vital support positions in administration, communications, database management, finance, information technology, law, logistics, transportation, religious affairs, and security.

If you are interested in the MRC, we are interested in you and invite you to apply.

Your Help is Needed — Sooner than Later

When a large-scale emergency occurs, such as a natural disaster, an influenza epidemic, or even a terrorist attack those who make the biggest difference are those prepared in advance and ready to respond immediately. That’s why the West Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was established.  Through the MRC, volunteer doctors and nurses are trained, exercised, and stand ready to take action and assist professional first responders as part of a structured effective system.

By enrolling in advance, your credentials are already verified and you’ll know exactly what to do when you are notified of an emergency.  This means you’ll avoid wondering at the last minute, “How can I help?” and you avoid the frustration of arriving at an emergency site only to be turned away as another well meaning but spontaneous volunteers might be.

Who Can Join the Medical Reserve Corps?

Any physician, nurse, health technician, veterinarian, or counselor can volunteer to participate in the West Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps.  You can be in active practice or retired.  No specific time commitment is required, and the time you do volunteer can be adjusted to fit your schedule.

Your Expertise Applied —

Where It’s Needed Most

The MRC verifies licenses and credentials of members.  Members are oriented to the MRC Core Competencies and free training opportunities are available to help build on your established proficiencies.  Some of the functions volunteers will be asked to fill in an emergency might be:

>  Patient Triage

>  Vaccination

>  Dispensing Medication

>  Case Diagnosis

>  Medical Treatment

>  Patient Support

>  Education

>  Ancillary Support Roles

 The Spirit of Volunteerism

A community’s local response to a disaster is dependent on those willing to give of themselves for the good of others.  By participating in the Medical Reserve Corps, you’ll be part of an exclusive group of medical volunteers.  You will be recognized for performing a vital service to the community.  You’ll have the peace of mind knowing you are giving your best back at a time and in a way that the community needs you most.

Signing Up Is Simple!

Just go to www.ServFL.com to register.

Or if you have questions, contact the West Central Florida MRC Administrator at:  352-521-1450 x315

FLORIDA EMERGENCY INFORMATION HOTLINE:

1-800-342-3557

FLORIDA EMERGENCY INFORMATION WEBSITE: http://www.floridadisaster.org/index.asp

For additional TRAINING information, select the TRAINING button on the side bar, then click on  "Links to More Training Sites"

H1N1 novel influenza information: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo.htm

As Florida responds to swine flu, the Florida Department of Health offers the following recommendations:  

• People with respiratory illness or fever should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza, to others in the community.
• Avoid close contact with people who are coughing or otherwise appear ill.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Wash hands frequently to lessen the spread of respiratory illness.
• Symptoms of swine flu are rapid onset fever, cough fatigue and in some cases vomiting and diarrhea.
• If you think you have the flu, please call your health care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office or an emergency department, or stay home.

Swine flu is not transmitted by food and you cannot get swine flu from eating pork products.  

Link to CDC's "What's New on the Swine Flu Site:"http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/whatsnew.htm

Hurricane Special Need Shelter Deployment Checklist Suggested items to bring: ID badge and pen Air mattress (cots are available) Sleeping bag or blanket Pillow Lawn chair Flashlight Ear plugs and eye mask Umbrella and rain poncho Clothing for 3 days (layers for multiple temperatures) Extra pair of comfy shoes (to switch off & on) Towel, washcloth, and toiletries Meds for 3 days (include Tylenol etc) Bottled water Snacks (no refrigeration available) Deck of cards, book, crossword puzzles etc. A positive, cheerful attitude and CHOCOLATE-CHOCOLATE-CHOCOLATE!   Do not bring: Pets Alcoholic beverages