Medical Reserve Corps

Part of the Citizen Corps created to improve U.S. disaster preparedness after the 9-11 Attacks, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a community-based volunteer organization that supports public health organizations both in major emergencies, and in continuing programs such as vaccination clinics. It provided substantial support, for example, during the short-term need for 2009 H1N1 influenza virus immunization. As a volunteer community service, it strengthens social capital.

Sponsored nationally by the Office of the Surgeon General in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the organization flows to the state and local level. Most operations are at the county level.

Both certified medical and nonclinical volunteers serve in the MRC; training programs are available. All volunteers receive at least basic training in the Incident Command System in order to have a common working context with emergency services.