Volunteers needed for medical reserve

Herald Journal, The (Logan, UT) - September 25, 2007 Author: From staff reports
The Bear River MedicalReserveCorps is looking for volunteers. People interested in joining the program are encouraged to participate in a brief test of the unit's activation procedures today.

The MedicalReserveCorps is a pool of volunteer medical professionals and others who can help supplement hospital, public health and emergency medical services during disasters and other events that may overwhelm existing resources.

Current MRC members will be activated by telephone and e-mail this morning as part of the Statewide Public Health Emergency Response Exercise (SPHERE). They will be asked to report at noon to the parking lot south of Utah State University Police, off of 800 East at approximately 1300 North.

"This gives us an opportunity to evaluate our procedures, update our members' credentials, and discuss what medical supplies and equipment still need to be purchased," said Mike Weibel, who coordinates the MRC program for the Bear River Health Department.

People interested in joining the program are being asked to report to the same location at noon for a brief orientation of the program and a chance to sign up.

"In a real emergency, we would likely have many volunteers offering to help," he said, noting that the MRC program is designed to identify, credential and prepare volunteers before an emergency unfolds so precious time isn't wasted processing volunteers when their help is needed immediately.

For more information about the MedicalReserveCorps program, visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov or www.utahmrc.org.