SPOKANE, Wash. – Oct 17, 2012  – In times of disaster, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) exists in thousands of communities nationwide to respond to emergencies and build resiliency through prevention, preparedness and public health activities.
 
The Eastern Washington chapter of MRC is currently recruiting, registering and training additional medical and non-medical volunteers throughout the region. There are currently 111 registered medical and non-medical volunteers. The community is encouraged to help in these recruitment efforts and join this honorable cause.
 
Housed and supported by Spokane Regional Health District, local MRC boasts numerous volunteers who have contributed many hours to ensure all its members are properly trained, and mobilization- and deployment-ready in times of emergency or disaster.
 
The Medical Reserve Corps of Eastern Washington was established in 2003 by several physicians and individuals and was originally housed under the Spokane County Medical Society. Later, it was housed by Community-Minded Enterprises.
 
In 2011, a group of community partners came together to reignite and reframe the group’s efforts. A steering committee was formed, comprised of members from SRHD, American Red Cross, Providence Health Care, Community Health Systems, Spokane County Medical Society, Spokane Emergency Medical Services, Spokane Emergency Management and Frontier Behavioral Health. The committee established new by-laws, mission, vision, purpose, and strategic goals and objectives.
 
Nationally, this year marks the 10th anniversary of the creation of the national Medical Reserve Corps, which was initially launched as a demonstration project and is currently housed under the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. Over the last ten years, the program has grown to over 200,000 volunteers in almost 1,000 units across the country.
 
Individuals interested in volunteering should contact Dave Byrnes, MRC coordinator, at 509.496.0496 or dbyrnes@srhd.org. For more information, visit the national Medical Reserve Corps Web site at medicalreservecorps.gov.
 
More information can also be found at www.srhd.org. Spokane Regional Health District’s Web site also offers comprehensive, updated information about Spokane Regional Health District and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Become a fan of SRHD on Facebook to receive local safety and wellness tips. You can also follow us on Twitter @spokanehealth.