Human Services
MRC Recognized for Exceptional Contributions
The Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps (ACMRC) has been awarded a Special Recognition Award by the Department of Human Services (DHS) for service to the community in 2009. The award cites MRC's efforts during the H1N1 pandemic as well as ongoing contributions in public health education and emergency preparedness and response. Time and again in 2009, Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps volunteers demonstrated they are knowledgeable, trained and ready to provide essential support to Arlington County’s Public Health Department.
"The Medical Reserve Corps plays an important role in protecting the health and well being of people who live, work and play in Arlington," said DHS Director Susanne Eisner. "It is a testament to the professionalism, dedication and talent of the MRC volunteers that they were able to quickly mobilize and provide support to the Health Department's H1N1 effort in the schools and in the community."
During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, Arlington County MRC volunteers stepped up when the community needed them.
- They reviewed consent forms, greeted children coming into the clinics and calmed fears, and observed children after they received their vaccine.
- Their volunteer efforts assisted the campaign in providing over 17,000 doses of vaccine in Arlington schools.
- They also provided presentations on influenza to community groups, and continue to assist with public vaccination clinics, marketing to specific audiences like one held on St. Patrick’s Day in an effort to reach young people in the Clarendon area.
Arlington County MRC volunteers are engaged in ongoing dynamic and interactive outreach activities. From TB screenings for County public school students and weekly shifts at County STI clinics, to food safety education at area restaurants and hand-washing demonstrations at health fairs, MRC volunteers help keep our community safe and healthy.
Throughout the year, Arlington County MRC volunteers attend trainings, assist with public health education within the community, and practice their emergency preparedness roles through a variety of exercises mandated by the Centers for Disease Control, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Department of Homeland Security.
The award will be presented at the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration Sunday, April 18. For more information about the reception and volunteer opportunities in Arlington, visit Volunteer Arlington at www.arlingtonva.us/volunteer.
Medical Reserve Corps is part of the Arlington County Citizen Corps which is the umbrella organization for a variety of community based, citizen-driven programs focused on ensuring that the Arlington community remains safe, prepared and resilient. Learn more>>
MRC in Action
The Medical Reserve Corps has played a key role in Arlington's response to the H1N1 pandemic, working in the schools and in the community to educate and inform.
 MRC volunteers worked the hand washing station at the 2009 Arlington County Fair |  MRC volunteers played a key role in the County's shool-based H1N1 vaccination program. |
 MRC volunteers helped deliver more than 17,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine in Arlington schools. Here, students speak with Arlington County Health Director Dr. Reuben Varghese. |  Friendly faces and warm smiles greeted Arlington school children, easing anxiety when it was time to "face the needle." (Or mist injector!) |
