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 Home > Regional MRC Coordinators > Elizabeth H. Fitch > Region IV Newsletters > Region IV MRC Update - November 2005
Avian Flu and Pandemic Influenza: Potential Roles for the MRCAs we all know, pandemic flu has been a "hot topic" in public health for some time now, and interest has been sparked in the general public by recent media coverage. Most MRC units have probably considered at some point what role their unit's volunteers might play in the event of an outbreak. Pandemics are described by the World Health Organization as having three phases: Interpandemic, Pandemic Alert, and the Pandemic period. During the Interpandemic and Pandemic Alert periods, it is important to ensure that the MRC is incorporated into local plans. Depending on the mission and role of the individual MRC unit, current activities could include planning and exercises for mass vaccination clinics, triage centers and/or alternate care facilities, and developing the plans and messages for public call centers. Another potential role for the MRC in the Interpandemic/Pandemic Alert phase is ongoing communication of risk reduction behaviors that are important in every flu and cold season, such as hand washing and respiratory hygiene. Resources for pandemic planning include:
Is your unit working on pandemic preparedness? Come talk about it with other units on the Message Board! Region IV MRC StatisticsNumber of Registered MRC Units in Region IV: 51
Number of Registered MRC Units in the United States (and territories): 331 If you know of a community that would like to start its own MRC Unit, please have them contact the Regional Coordinator, Elizabeth Fitch (elizabeth.fitch@hhs.gov) at (404) 562-4276. Units may apply for registration through the MRC Web site. Your support for new units as they develop is very much appreciated. Helpful Online ResourcesJust a reminder: There is a collection of Web sites that may be useful to MRC Unit Coordinators. The easiest way to look at these links is by topic; if you go to the archive page, click on the drop-down box next to "filter by topic" (at the top of the page), and you will see the topics available. Pick a topic, such as Risk Management/Liability, and click the "search" button, and you will see the web resources I've collected under that topic, along with a brief clipping from the page and possibly a note from me about the link. Recent additions include: Protect Yourself from Mold, Innovative Volunteer Orientations, Volunteer Lobbyists, and CDC FluSurge Software. Newly added—a whole section of resources on Avian Influenza/Pandemic Flu. Happy surfing! Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage UpdateSome MRC units are assisting with efforts to increase awareness of the changes in Medicare, particularly the Prescription Drug Plan. November 15 is an important date for the Medicare beneficiaries in your community! Beginning on November 15, Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries can sign up for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. This insurance coverage will begin January 1, 2006. Individuals can get free personalized counseling from their State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and other local and community-based organizations. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to get the telephone number of the SHIP that serves your community. More information is available at the Medicare Web site. Upcoming Health ObservancesNovember is American Diabetes Month November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month November 6–12 is National Allied Health Professions Week Beginning on November 15, Medicare Part A and Part B beneficiaries can sign up for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan November 17 is the Great American Smokeout Regional Coordinator Contact Information
Also, don't forget to regularly visit the National MRC Web site: sponsored by the Office of the Surgeon General Recruiting Tips From an ExpertSusan Ellis, nationally recognized consultant on volunteer management issues, recently spoke at the Georgia Conference on Service and Volunteerism. During the Advanced Volunteer Management Institute, she included a session on online recruiting methods. Some tips that she gave include:
Hurricane Season Response—Region IVRegion IV MRC units have been so busy with hurricane response and recovery activities that it has been difficult to keep up with it all! All of the unit coordinators have been doing a great job of working to meet local needs, and where possible, sending volunteers to assist with missions through Red Cross, HHS, EMAC and other means. Units that have been involved include:
Last Updated on 8/14/2006 |
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