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"If you are the type of person who will want to help those in need during a disaster... then you MUST become part of the WCFMRC. If you show up to help and you are not part of the pre-existing coordinated response system... you will be TURNED AWAY. To prevent yourself from being turned away in a disaster situation... JOIN your local chapter of the West Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps."
Check back often as we will be posting important news events and accomplishments of our highly talented volunteers! | February 6, 2010 Dear MRC Leaders, Volunteers and Colleagues,
It has been a few days since I last provided an update regarding the situation in Haiti. Currently, there are still no plans for a Federal deployment of MRC members. Some of our colleagues from the National Disaster Medical System and the U.S. Public Health Service responded to this disaster at the request of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The initial teams have completed their two week rotations and are returning home.
The immediate and long-term health and medical needs of Haiti are being assessed by the United Nations and the Pan American Health Organization, in close coordination with the Haitian government. USAID has the lead for the U.S. Government, and is responsible for any decisions regarding the deployment of volunteers. It is anticipated that non-governmental organizations, and their cadres of volunteers, will play a major role in the recovery efforts in Haiti.
We will continue to monitor the situation, work collaboratively with our HHS and other Federal government partners, and notify you of any changes. As always, we encourage you to work locally to support efforts in your communities.
Rob
CAPT Rob Tosatto
Director, Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps | February 1, 2010 The Next Challenge in Healthcare Preparedness: Catastrophic Health Events was released today by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR).
Click on the title above for more information. | January 21, 2010 Dear MRC Leaders, Volunteers and Colleagues,
Over the past two weeks, we have witnessed the devastating effects of the earthquake in Haiti, and the outpouring of support from around the world. Not surprisingly, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers and other Americans have sought out ways to donate their time, skills, and money to help.
While the desire to go to Haiti and provide in-person care is powerful for many, it is still not in the immediate plans for the MRC. The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC) understands many of you have received conflicting messages from other organizations, but we ask that you look to our listserv posts and webpage (http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/HaitiResponse) for the most reliable information regarding the MRC.
The infrastructure in Haiti is extremely limited, and there is currently little to no ability to provide the necessary support to volunteers in the more than austere conditions. The possibility for MRC volunteers to deploy has not vanished, but many pieces still need to be put in place before it becomes reality.
Please remember that there are ways for the MRC to participate in the response...but closer to home. Many Americans formerly living in Haiti are returning home to cities across the nation, and these people may need medical and mental health care. This could be a perfect fit for your local Medical Reserve Corps unit.
Some areas have large Haitian populations needing assistance as they grieve or wait for news of family members. MRC volunteers could provide that assistance. I encourage you to work with your community partners to find ways to support these local activities and provide aid when possible for those affected by the earthquake. MRC leaders can continue to use this time to build awareness for the MRC unit, recruit new members and remind current ones of the importance of preparedness.
You are helping to make your community more resilient in the face of disaster, and this earthquake is a reminder to us all that disaster can strike at any time. As you provide local support, plan events, and promote initiatives related to the Haiti response and recovery efforts, be sure to include the activities on your unit profile on the MRC Web site - and keep your State and Regional Coordinators informed. I share your stories with leaders within HHS, as well other agencies, to show the importance, impact and difference that MRC units make in their communities.
Please know that we will continue to keep you informed of developments related to the Haiti response - both in Haiti and at home. As we receive more reports of MRC activities, we will share those as well, so that everyone within our network is aware of the great work. I can not thank you enough for your hard work and commitment to the MRC. Warmest regards, Rob CAPT Rob Tosatto Director, Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corpsrobert.tosatto@hhs.gov www.medicalreservecorps.gov | January 16, 2010 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.
Please click on the title "Recruitment 2010" above for volunteer opportunities!
| January 16, 2010 STATEMENT BY HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY JANET NAPOLITANO
DISASTER RESPONSE IN HAITI
The Department of Homeland Security continues to extend sympathy for our Haitian neighbors and support the worldwide relief effort underway in every way we can. Four Coast Guard cutters have arrived in Haiti, in addition to a variety of Coast Guard assets that were already in the area to support military air traffic control, conduct damage assessments and rescue people in need of assistance.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) continues to work closely with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department; the lead U.S. federal agencies in the response; while coordinating the deployment of state and local Urban Search and Rescue Teams from across the country to Haiti and standing by to provide food, water and other resources as requested.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has provided aircraft to support response efforts. On Wednesday, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement halted all removals to Haiti for the time being in response to the devastation caused by Tuesday;s earthquake. The entire Department stands ready to receive evacuees safely and securely in the United States.
Monetary contributions from individual Americans are the best way to immediately support the relief efforts of those who are working around-the-clock to help save lives in Haiti; and will help sustain these efforts over the long-term. The rebuilding process for the people of Haiti will undoubtedly be extremely difficult. I encourage every American who is interested in giving to participate in this response effort by providing support to those in need.
You can visit
http://www.whitehouse.gov/haitiearthquake
to make your contribution.
To see a video from Secretary Napolitano about what you can do to help earthquake recovery in HaitI http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2010/01/haiti-how-you-can-help.html
| January 15, 2010 For more information, click on the title "Haiti Earthquake Relief Information" above.
| January 5, 2010 West Central Florida Medical Reserve Corps,
For your exemplary leadership and service to the state of Florida during public health incidents, events, and man-made and natural disasters; and in special recognition of your local Medical Reserve Corps Team which provided their expertise, skills, and time in support of H1N1 Points of Dispensing and vital public health response activities. Your dedication and efforts to the Mission of the Florida Medical Reserve Corps Network are greatly appreciated.
Rick Miller
State Coordinator, Florida Medical Reserve Corps Network
December 2009
| December 23, 2009
The WCFMRC has formed a Radiation Strike Team (RST) to support a Radiological Response Volunteer Corps as of December 1st, 2009. The team consists of members from all fields in the medical community, from Radiation Physicists to Registered Nurses. Although it is in it’s infancy, some of the team members have already completed the Advanced Radiation Course from the BRC ( Board of Radiation Control).
This training is designed for medical personnel, who need to recognize the symptoms of radiation exposure and/or treat the victims of a radiological incident/event including a severe transportation accident, a nuclear power plant accident, or the detonation of a radiological dispersal device or an improvised nuclear device.
Some of the roles a RST may fill are to ;
Select and prepare the appropriate treatment/decontamination area within a hospital/healthcare facility, and determine staff and patient needs
Given the identity of an internally deposited radioactive contaminant, select the appropriate pharmacological intervention
Discuss the roles of physicians and nurses during a radiation accident affecting a large population
Recognize the signs and symptoms of Acute Radiation Syndrome and utilize syndromic surveillance to epidemiologically-link cases to track a radiation source
Establish a population monitoring center after a radiation event
These are a few of the responsibilities the RST may be asked to handle, as well as supplementing the states BRC Strike Force in determining the spread and scope of an accident.
We are excited to have our team started, and are looking forward to expanding both our knowledge and our membership. We are working closely with our CHD sponsor raise the level of our preparedness and our abilities to react and manage any incident that may arise.
| January 24, 2009 I am not a medical professional. Is a need for my services?
What would I be doing?
Is it local?
What kind of regular time demands would there be?
What kind of required training is required?
How much time is required for the required training?
CLICK ON THE TITLE ABOVE FOR ANSWERS TO THESE AND MORE!
| 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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