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Unit Spotlight - July 2006

Unit Name:	Denton County MRC
Contact Information:	306 N Loop 288, Suite 137 Denton, TX 76209
Point of Contact:	Jessica Herpeche – MRC Coordinator
Phone:	(940) 349-2923
E-mail:	MRC@dentoncounty.com
Web Site:	www.metroplexvolunteers.com

When was the Unit Founded?

The unit was founded on February 25, 2005.

What Drives the Unit?

Originally, the focus of the Denton County MRC was to establish a pool of volunteers as part of the Public Health Preparedness initiatives. Their primary focus was to respond to public health emergencies. However, the scope has expanded during the past year to encompass all hazards disaster response and public health activities. Most recently, it has focused on the Surgeon General’s priorities.

How Many Volunteers Does the Unit Have?

The Denton County MRC has 438 volunteers. There are 150 non-medical and 288 medical volunteers.

How Large is the Unit’s Staff?

The staff consists of the MRC Coordinator, who devotes half time to the MRC. The unit also has a Training Coordinator, who works on an as-needed basis.

Why was the Unit Selected?

The Denton County MRC supports and collaborates with other county organizations and has been integrated into the Public Health Department’s Response Plans. The MRC was used during the Katrina and Rita evacuations. The MRC Coordinator also is the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and integrates Public Health Preparedness Initiatives with MRC sponsorship, participation, and recruitment. Most recently, they were involved in a pandemic influenza training event for clinical and non-clinical members of the community, MRC volunteers, and professionals seeking continuing education. This team is an example of integration between an MRC and a health department.

What are Some of the Unit’s Activities?

In June 2006, the Denton County MRC participated in a pandemic influenza symposium titled “Pandemic Influenza: Preparing for a Crisis.” Denton County provided the American Red Cross with 3-day Emergency Preparedness Backpack Kits, and MRC material was distributed to each attendee. Speakers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the health department provided training on quarantine, possible containment methods, the history of pandemics, agricultural concerns, and the local response to a pandemic.

In August 2005, the Denton County MRC was involved in a Full-Scale Strategic National Stockpile Dispensing Site exercise that included more than 1,000 participants. Approximately 140 MRC volunteers assisted with setting up a clinic with other MRC volunteers acting as patients in an anthrax simulation.

During the fall, the Denton County MRC partners with the health department and provides influenza shot clinics in the community.

The Denton County MRC also:

Holds new volunteer orientation quarterly. Training also is given to volunteers so they can set up a clinic and/or Point of Distribution site and implement an incident command structure.
Holds NIMS, BDLS, CDLS, and CISM training courses approximately once a quarter, depending on volunteer interest.
Deployed approximately 150 medical and non-medical volunteers locally to provide staff to clinics in support of the Hurricanes Katrina and Rita response. Volunteers performed various tasks such as first aid care, medical dispensing, and administering tetanus shots.

What are Some of the Unit’s Accomplishments?

The Denton County MRC has used public health preparedness resources to recruit many volunteers and build the MRC overall.

The unit has a regional partnership with MRCs in four surrounding counties to share resources. The regional collaboration has fostered a Web site, training curriculum, and brochure. In addition, the unit plans to share training responsibilities.

The Denton County MRC has a core group of volunteers (40–45 percent) who regularly support the unit’s involvement in public health activities. Additional volunteers are always willing to help when needed.

Last Updated on 8/8/2006