Human Services
Medical Reserve Corps
The mission of the Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to assist Arlington Public Health during emergencies and support ongoing public health initiatives.
About the Medical Reserve Corps
The Arlington County Public Health Division recruits and trains current or retired volunteer physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, nurses, and others with relevant skills to help in emergencies. Members of the Medical Reserve Corps may assist in mass dispensing clinics, help with epidemiologic investigations, respond to telephone inquiries, or assist with public outreach and education. The Medical Reserve Corps also welcomes volunteers with skills and experience in organizational support and development.
The Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps is a specialized component of Citizen Corps, and part of the USA Freedom Corps. This project works under the direction and guidance of the Arlington County Public Health Division and collaborates with other emergency response programs.
History of the Medical Reserve Corps
The Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps was granted start-up funds from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in October 2003. Prior to October 2003, volunteers from the medical care community assisted the Public Health Division with planning for emergencies and other public health initiatives through the Medical Advisory Group.
Roles
All MRC members are volunteers. In an emergency, members would be assigned according to their professional licensure, skills, and training. Examples of possible assignments are:
- Mass Clinic Triage: Medical Evaluator
- Mass Clinic Triage: Epidemiology Screener
- Mass Clinic Medication/Vaccination: Medical Screener, Vaccinator/Dispenser
- Mass Clinic Medication/Vaccination: Pharmaceutical Consultant
- Mass Clinic/Vaccination: Support Staff
- Telephone Assistant: Epidemiology, Hotline
- MRC Organizational Support: Administrative Support Staff, Technology Assistant, Organizational Development Consultant
View volunteer roles.
MRC Volunteers
Benefits. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers know what they will do to assist in a public health emergency! Volunteers learn about overall public health emergency preparedness and how they fit into the overall medical response system. During an emergency, volunteers receive timely and correct incident specific information. Volunteers who are called up in emergencies work side by side with public health staff and receive the same protections as public health staff. MRC volunteer assignments are limited and flexible when possible. Volunteers’ interest and skills are important considerations.
Commitment. MRC volunteers are asked to sign up for al least one year and agree to be available to assist the Public Health Division during emergencies. Volunteers attend a brief orientation and periodic updates.
Protection. All MRC volunteers working within the scope of their assignments are covered under Virginia immunity laws in a declared emergency. Volunteers' assignments are made according to professional training and licensure. Volunteers without professional licenses will be assigned to support functions.
Volunteers will receive all appropriate personal protection measures consistent with Public Health staff.
Contact the Medical Reserve Corps
You can contact the Arlington County Medical Reserve Corps by phone, fax, or email:
Medical reserve Corps
800 South Walter Reed Drive
Arlington, Virginia 22204
Email:ArlingtonMRC (at) arlingtonva.us
Phone: 703-228-4986
Fax: 703-228-5233
