July 9, 2007 Please copy and paste following link to access story and video clip:
http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/7/4/267268.html
MRC: National organization of community-based volunteers who contribute expertise, skills & time to assist local communities deal with public health aspects of hurricanes & other natural & man-made emergencies & also help with public health services like giving flu shots.
WCFMRC is our local unit working with the Pasco Department of Health &
also Citrus, Hardee, Hernado, Pinellas, Polk, & Sumter counties.
I work with Andrea Mason, the Pasco County DOH Emergency Preparedness Planner & we get great support from Dr. Johnson our Medical Director
MRC really came out of 9/11 when so many people wanted to volunteer to help but the authorities didn’t know who they were, their qualifications, or even if they really wanted to help.
The idea behind the MRC: develop an organization of volunteers who have been pre-screened & trained to assist local health agencies in times of need.
Nationally there are over 75,000 volunteers in about 500 local MRC units.
Our WCFMRC has about 130 volunteers and we’re looking for more.
We need both medical and non-medical volunteers:
In addition to doctors, nurses, pharmacists & other health professionals,
we need people with experience in administration, communications, computers, finance, law, logistics, planning, security, social work, etc.
We especially need volunteers who are willing to help out in the Special Needs Shelters that house many of our senior citizens during hurricanes.
MRC volunteers have been active in helping the DOH with their Flu Clinics.
Our Immunizations Team participated in two Drive Thru Flu Clinics:
Last October @ St. Michaels on Rt 52 & Dec 8 @ Citrus Dodge in Dade City.
Great idea: people get shots as they drive thru in their cars.
Excellent training exercise in case we have the need for mass immunizations.
Fast & efficient, people stay in cars & not congregate to avoid contagion.
We participated in the Mass Casualty Incident training exercise at Community Hospital and Northbay Hospital where decontamination tents had to be set up. Students from the Mitchell HS drama club did a great job acting as the victims.
Our volunteers also were involved in Pasco County DOH All Hazards Training Exercise at St Leo University.
Non-medical volunteers can get training on using defribulators, CPR, Basic Life Support, & everyone trains on the National Incident Management System & the Incident Command System that are used in disasters.
Go on-line to www.wcfmrc.org or call me at 727-375-7429.
Michelle Kay: 698-6878; (michelle.kay@baynews9.com)
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