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 Home > MRC Spotlights > Unit Spotlight - August 2006
When was the Unit Founded? The Medical Reserve Corps – Derry, NH Unit was established in September 2003. What Drives the Unit? The mission of the Derry MRC is to identify, educate, and train area medical and health professionals who will contribute their skills and expertise through volunteer service for communities to be better prepared to respond to community needs, public health issues, and terrorism threats. How Many Volunteers Does the Unit Have? The Derry NH MRC has approximately 130 volunteers. How Large is the Unit’s Staff? The unit consists of the Executive Director, the MRC Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant. Why was the Unit Selected? The Derry NH MRC is housed under a non-governmental organization and has become part of a newly developed town public health department. They are currently involved in strategic planning for the program’s long-term success. The Derry NH MRC has engaged in multiple community public health activities and emergency response efforts through its involvement in the 2006 floods in New Hampshire and the 2005 hurricane response. What are Some of the Unit’s Activities? On August 5, 2006, the Derry NH MRC unit participated in a mock disaster drill with volunteers playing the role of victims. In May 2006, the Derry NH MRC participated in an emergency exercise to test the MRC volunteer activation process. The exercise proved helpful, as it allowed them to prepare for the flood emergency that occurred a few days later. The MRC effectively activated volunteers to staff a shelter for flood evacuees and managed a hotline for the local Emergency Management Agency. During the 2005 hurricane response, the Derry NH MRC deployed 12 volunteers. In addition, the unit helped regional hospitals develop a triage center to prepare for the arrival of evacuees. The Derry NH MRC has held community forums on Avian Flu and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The Derry NH MRC conducts trainings on Incident Command System, National Incident Management System, Shelter Management, and Core Disaster Life Support. What are Some of the Unit’s Accomplishments? The Derry NH MRC has been integrated into the local emergency management response system as a resource for the local community. For example, MRC units are becoming recognized throughout New Hampshire as the primary source of qualified medical volunteers able to respond to a potential influenza pandemic. Interesting Facts About the Unit During the 2005 hurricane response, the Derry NH MRC collaborated with the local American Red Cross chapter so that interested volunteers were sent to the MRC. The unit received 70 to 80 new volunteers through interest generated from the hurricane response. Last Updated on 9/15/2006 |
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