September is National Preparedness Month. It’s also the 10th anniversary of the Medical Reserve, a national network of local groups of volunteers dedicated to strengthening public health, improving emergency response and building resiliency in their communities.
The network includes 1,000 MRC units with more than 200,000 medical and nonmedical volunteers.
In celebration of the anniversary, the Texas County Medical Reserve Corps (TCMRC) will hold an open house on Saturday, Sept. 22, at the Texas County Health Department (located on the north side of Houston at 950 N. U.S. 63). The public is invited from 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Members will be showcasing a mobilization trailer that has been prepared to respond to disaster or emergency situations within the region. Helpful emergency preparedness information will be available to take home that can be put to use as a guide for preparing a personal emergency kit.
In addition to the opportunity to learn more about emergency preparedness, members also welcome inquiries from those who might be interested in serving the community in times of disaster by joining this all-volunteer organization. This isn’t just for those with a medical background. Those who can serve in a support capacity are always needed. Persons are invited to visit, sign up for a door prize and enjoy some refreshments.
The TCMRC serves counties in Region G in Missouri. This includes Carter, Douglas, Howell, Ozark, Reynolds, Shannon, Texas, and Wright Counties and surrounding counties as needed. Members support the local health departments, hospitals, EMS and emergency management directors. They assist in major disasters and public health emergencies. They also provide public health information with our current focus on Ready in 3. Members actively participate in exercises with other local health departments, hospitals, CERT and Neighborhood Watch Programs.
The website of the National Medical Reserve Corps can be found at MedicalReserveCorps.gov.
The Texas County MRC website is MedicalReserveCorps.gov/MrcUnits/UnitDetails/995.