Welcome New Members
The MRC welcomes these new members to our 531-member ranks: Don Bend, veterinarian; Austin Brake, EMT; Jane Canazzo, physician; Ken Dohrmann, EMT; Teri Echtenkamp, mental health professional; Judy Handley, dental assistant; Jessica Hensley, environmental health specialist; Katie Hruska, Region VI Behavioral Health; Deb Kawa, RN; Sharon McConnell, administrative specialist; Pam McNally, RN; Ricky Mitchell, paramedic; Carol Niemann, mental health professional; Bobbi Pickard, dental assistant; Mike Pogge, EMT; Carolyn Pozehl, RN; Heather Reese, RN; Anthony Rogers, paramedic; and America Young, RN.

If you know of anyone who is interested in joining the MRC, have them contact Tom at (402) 522-7970 or tmcmahon@uwmidlands.org

Linda Horning Award
Ken Hermsen was honored with the Linda Horning Award at the April 22 United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Recognition event. The award is presented to an outstanding MRC volunteer.

Ken chairs the Omaha Metropolitan Medical Response System’s Mass Fatality Committee, part of the area’s disaster response planning effort that deals with identification, transportation and burial of victims. In 1992, he helped found the Nebraska Forensic Dental Identification Team and has served as its leader since 2002. He contributed his services following the 9/11 tragedy and Hurricane Katrina.

Ken also contributes his skills to provide dental care to those in need. As a MRC volunteer, he contributed 39 hours of free dental work to the 2009 Mission of Mercy, a two-day effort that provided an estimated $250,000 in dental services to 2,000 of the area’s needy. Ken also helped plan the event and procure X-ray equipment for it.

He also provided H1N1 screening and vaccination at seven different Douglas and Sarpy County clinics this past fall. Ken’s efforts, along with those of other MRC members, provided much needed staffing to local health departments that provided vaccinations to as many as 4,000 people at some clinics.

Congratulations and thank you, Ken. You truly are an asset to the Medical Reserve Corps.

Congratulations On Your Award
The Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC has been named recipient of the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps’ Ambassador Award. The award is given to a MRC unit that has successfully carried out activities and initiatives over the past year that meet the Surgeon General’s priorities of improving health literacy, increasing disease prevention, eliminating health disparities, and improving public health preparedness. Our unit was selected from over 800 in the country.

Over 15 different activities were cited, including H1N1 clinics, the Bi-National Health Fair, The Black Family Health and Wellness Fair, the College World Series, the MS Bike Ride, Cinco de Mayo, STD clinics, Youth Health Extravaganza and Mission of Mercy.

You provided over $75,000 worth of service during 2009!

Alane Jespersen and Margo Franz accepted the award on behalf of all volunteers.

Congratulations! You do make a difference.

More Kudos
Our MRC unit received a certificate of appreciation from the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps for our assistance with H1N1 last fall and winter. Volunteers helped at 35 clinics in four different counties, helping to vaccinate over 50,000. That office is also awarding H1N1 Hero pins to those who assisted in the vaccination effort.

Both Douglas and Sarpy County Health Departments also nominated us for the United Way’s Group Volunteers of the Year for all of your H1N1 assistance.

Upcoming Training
We will be scheduling NIMS classes and CPR/First Aid in the near future.

The MRC is partnering with the Omaha Fire Department and Bellevue Fire Department to provide WMD radiological/nuclear training Aug. 7, 8 and 9 at the Omaha Public Safety Training Center. Let Tom McMahon know if you have questions or wish to attend. Phone (402) 522-7970 or email tmcmahon@uwmidlands.org

Upcoming Community Involvement
June 12: Nebraska Alliance for the Mentally Ill Walk
June 19-30: College World Series
July 10 and 11: MS Society Bike Ride
Aug. 1: Omaha Triathlon
Aug. 14 MARE (Offutt Disaster Drill)
Aug. 28 and 29: Offutt Air Show

Contact Tom McMahon at (402) 522-7970 or tmcmahon@uwmidlands.org for more information.

Recently Moved?
Please let us know if you change address, phone numbers, work location or email addresses. It is important we have current information in case of a disaster. Call Tom McMahon at (402) 522-7970 or email tmcmahon@uwmidlands.org .

Haiti
Although the MRC was not called upon to assist following Haiti’s devastating earthquake, two of our members provided assistance as part of another mission.

Jim Temme went with a UNMC team and Vaughan Wenzel as part of the Omaha Rapid Response. Reflecting on the experience Vaughan says, “So much happened and so many unforgettable images were imbedded in our minds . . . I find that I keep using the word ‘desparate’ as I describe most scenarios.” Vaughan and Jim, along with two other MRC members who made recent MRC-related trips will talk about their experiences at our next quarterly training. More information will be emailed/mailed soon.

MRC Volunteers Tie the Knot
Congratulations to MRC volunteers Mary Grayson and Ray Honaker, who were married May 15. They met a few years ago at a College World Series game. Mary was there to help provide first aid as a MRC volunteer. Ray attended to provide first aid as an Omaha firefighter. The two apparently liked each other’s bandages and began dating. Ray is now a MRC member as well. Good catch for Mary and the MRC! We wish you all the best!