The first 24 to 72 hours after a disaster, a community is usually "on its own" - outside help will take time to arrive. Fortunately, the local Medical Reserve Corps will serve the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. Find out what it's all about.

WELCOME TO ALL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS!!  Are You Ready to Serve Our Community in Times of Need?  Join the Eastern Nebraska-Western Iowa Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) !

The local unit has now earned a national award - check it out!

MRC TRAINING UPDATE: Here is a convenient on-line course all local MRC members should take to increase their preparedness for disaster or public health emergencies. Simply click the link below to get started. (and please note the instructions on emailing the local MRC coordinator when you finish the course)  
Bloodborne Pathogen Training              
 

The first response to any disaster is a local response. 

That has never been more true than at this moment in our nation's history.  Our nation changed forever on September 11, 2001.  But the thousands upon thousands of volunteers who so selflessly helped others during this national tragedy inspired others to do the same.  Many people asked "What can I do?"

In any disaster, communities must rely upon their local resources to get through the first 24 to 72 hours, before expecting any outside assistance from national relief agencies and the federal government.   The Medical Reserve Corps is made up of local health professionals, more than 500 right now, who volunteer to assist their communities during large scale disasters such as epidemics, bioterrorism or natural disasters , and they provide ongoing support for community health initiatives. The Medical Reserve Corps is sponsored by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General.

Your knowledge and willingness to volunteer your skills is what the Medical Reserve Corps is all about.  It starts with individuals who care enough to pool their resources when emergencies hit close to home. The Eastern Nebraska-Western Iowa Medical Reserve Corps serves Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, Washington and Cass Counties in Nebraska and Pottawattamie and Harrison counties in Iowa.

How can I help?
We need you to volunteer now!  The local Medical Reserve Corps is looking for health professionals with a desire to serve their community.  A well-trained and skilled volunteer corps can keep our community prepared and healthy! 

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers can be active or retired members in their profession.  Whether you have medical skills, mental health skills, or other essential emergency response skills, we need you!  We are looking for a variety of willing volunteers such as:  Nurses, Physicians, Pharmacists, Veterinarians, Dentists, EMTs, Medical Technicians, Counselors, Therapist, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Drug and Alcohol Counselors, Clergy and many more!

We need you to sign up now so you can be pre-registered, badged and trained about local emergency procedures. When an emergency happens you'll know when and where you are needed. You will have the satisfaction of providing an important preparedness function for our community.

There are two types of volunteers:
Inactive volunteers are those who are only available to serve during disasters. Active volunteers will be available to serve during disasters and will have the ability to provide education and assist in many important health initiatives such as flu clinics, children's health, immunization campaigns, health fairs, and patient education.   

Training:
All volunteers must have a current license or certificates in their profession.  All members will receive Disaster Training free of charge. Once a year, you will be required to participate in a disaster training drill and specific training for the different emergency volunteer positions.  You will also need to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and have knowledge of Bloodborne Pathogens and Standard Precautions.  If you don’t have these certifications,  we will train you at no cost, and provider refresher courses. 

For an application to join the Medical Reserve Corps, click here to open up a .pdf form you can fill out and fax in to 522-7991.  Applications are also available at all Hy-Vee Stores and Great Western Banks. 

For questions contact Tom McMahon, 522-7970, fax 522-7991 or by e-mail.