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About the MRC Units

What is the typical MRC unit?

There is no "typical" MRC unit. Each unit organizes in response to their area's specific needs. A region's hazard threats, health concerns, and the organization in which the unit is established (health department, faith-based organization, etc.), will dictate what an MRC “looks like.” With community resources and partners that span a spectrum from local voluntary organizations to private corporations, the "face" of each MRC community is unique. However, the goals of the MRC are similar; units work toward bettering their local area's public health infrastructure and strengthening their response capabilities in the event of an emergency. The differences exist in how each community reaches these goals.

What are the benefits of becoming an MRC unit?

There are many benefits in becoming an MRC unit. A registered MRC unit receives immediate recognition in their community, in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General, in Citizen Corps, and nationwide. The MRC unit is offered technical assistance from the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC), which is housed in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. Local MRC units can take advantage of efforts to coordinate and collaborate with other federal agencies and the multitude of national medical, health, and emergency response organizations. Through these collaborative efforts, the MRC identifies the activities, research, and technologies that these agencies and organizations are engaged in and pass information to the local MRC units through best practices, education and training, and technical assistance to help the local units continue to set their goals to meet the changing needs of their communities.

How can I get information on how other MRC units operate?

The MRC Web site offers a listserv to allow for those active in the program to share ideas, resources, best practices, and lessons learned. This listserv is conversational and allows for great interaction between units, the OCVMRC, and others involved in the program. Contact information for each unit can be found on the MRC Web site. Users with a username and password for the Web site also can view documents and presentations prepared by other MRC units such as volunteer applications, brochures, and management plans in the Clearinghouse. MRC units are encouraged to submit their own work for the Clearinghouse, allowing communities to learn—from each other—what has worked to make their organization stronger and more successful. These online features have been designed to better facilitate communication between MRC units and those interested in learning more about the MRC.

What funding is available for MRC units?

MRC units nationwide are finding various other funding sources from federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security (through the Office of Domestic Preparedness and Citizen Corps) and the Department of Health and Human Services (through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Health Resources and Services Administration). Others are obtaining funds from state and local agencies and organizations. Some are even receiving funds from private organizations.

The Private Funding Sources page lists various private organizations offering grants and provides links to their Web sites and short descriptions. Some resources will pertain more to one MRC unit than another because of location, population served, mission, and other factors. Although this document may not include every possible funding source, it may help a community locate funds to facilitate growth and sustainability of the MRC. A “one-stop shop” for federal grants can be found at Grants.gov.

What are the benefits to my community of starting an MRC unit?

Starting an MRC unit in a community has multiple benefits. MRC units provide a structured way to organize medical and public health professionals who serve as volunteers to respond to natural disasters and emergencies. These volunteers assist communities nationwide during emergencies and for ongoing efforts in public health. Additionally, MRC units increase emergency preparedness and response efforts in communities.

Registered MRC units can request technical assistance from the OCVMRC, apply for use of the official MRC logo, and be included in national MRC conferences. Registered units also are officially recognized as part of the Department of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps (also see the benefits of becoming an MRC unit).

Last Updated on 4/6/2009