MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y., July 15, 2024 — The Livingston County Department of Health is calling on community members to join its Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a volunteer program that enhances the region’s public health, safety and emergency preparedness.
The MRC is a network of medical and non-medical volunteers dedicated to supporting public health initiatives and emergency response efforts. It was established in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks when medical and public health professionals, looking to volunteer in support of emergency relief activities, found there was no structured approach in place to guide their work. Since its founding in 2002, local MRC units like Livingston County's have become vital components of community health and safety, supporting a wide range of activities from health education and preventative screenings to emergency preparedness training and disaster response.
County Public Health Specialist Taylor Gerber, Livingston County’s MRC Coordinator, explained, "Our Medical Reserve Corps volunteers play a crucial role in supporting the County's Department of Health during both emergencies and every day operations. I’d like to encourage anyone who’s interested in making a difference in their community to apply today."
MRC volunteers contribute to planning and preparing for both man-made and natural disasters, including hurricanes, tornadoes, biological attacks, mass casualty incidents, and pandemics. Medical backgrounds are not required, and all volunteers receive free training to prepare them for their roles.
Livingston County Administrator Ian M. Coyle emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "We encourage Livingston County residents to consider joining the Medical Reserve Corps today. It's an opportunity to help make our community safer and more prepared for the unknown. You're not just volunteering by joining the MRC, you're becoming an essential part of our County's resilience strategy.”
There are currently 800 MRC units nationwide with more than 300,000 volunteers serving communities around the country. Learn more about volunteering with the Livingston County MRC here. To become an MRC volunteer, interested individuals can call (585) 243-7299 or visit the County's MRC website.
About Livingston County:
Founded in 1821, Livingston County, N.Y., is home to more than 61,000 residents in 17 towns located across 631 square miles of the Finger Lakes region.