MRC's across the country are made up of current and retired health professionals who are trained and ready to serve our communities in times of disaster and public health emergencies.

The Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa Medical Reserve Corps received one of only 19 awards presented during the national MRC Awards Luncheon in Las Vegas on June 2nd. The local corps, coordinated by United Way of the Midlands, received the Ambassador Award, which honors MRC units that have successfully carried out activities and initiatives over the past year that meet the U.S. Surgeon General's priorities of improving health literacy, increasing disease prevention, eliminating health disparities and improving public health preparedness.

Members of the Omaha-based unit provided hundreds of hours of volunteer service at H1N1 flu vaccination clinics across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa in late 2009 and early 2010. Their volunteer service was valued at more than $75,000. MRC members also provide basic health screenings at a number of safety fairs during the year, and they offer their expertise at the College World Series first aid stations every year, alongside first-responders from the Omaha Fire Department.

There are more than 550 health professionals who belong to the local unit, and they live as far away at Grand Island. Congratulations to all units, volunteers and organizations that were recognized. Their efforts make the MRC network stronger, and have helped communities across the nation become more resilient.

The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, under the leadership of the U.S. Surgeon General's Office, strives to recognize members of the growing MRC network on a regular basis, both formally and informally. It is the MRC volunteers and leaders, as well as the housing and partner organizations, and other key stakeholders, who have helped build and sustain the MRC program as we know it. And for that, they are most worthy of being recognized.