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 Home > MRC Spotlights > Unit Spotlight - June 2006
When was the Unit Founded? The Reno County MRC was founded in June 2004. What Drives the Unit?The Reno County MRC is sponsored by the Reno County Health Department in partnership with the Volunteer Center at Hutchinson Community College. The primary focus of the Reno County MRC is to distribute pharmaceuticals to the community during an emergency and provide surge capacity to local response agencies and hospitals. How Many Volunteers Does the Unit Have?The Reno County MRC has 42 volunteers; of which, 25 are medical, and 17 are non-medical. How Large is the Unit’s Staff?The Reno County MRC has a full-time MRC Coordinator. In addition, through the unit’s partnership with the local Volunteer Center, the Director and Assistant Director also spend a few hours each week on the MRC program. Why was the Unit Selected?Although small, the Reno County MRC is an active unit. The unit coordinator and volunteers possess a “can do” attitude. The unit always is ready to assist its community, neighboring communities, and other MRC units. Tim Newman, the MRC unit coordinator, has participated in each regional MRC-related activity, state efforts involving the MRC program, and each national MRC conference. The Reno County MRC is a model for the nation and a tremendous asset to the MRC program. What are Some of the Unit’s Activities?From April to December of 2005, the Reno County MRC held free diabetes screenings once a week and continues in 2006 with screenings at special events. Also, the unit conducted free blood pressure checks every Wednesday in May 2005 for National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. In November 2005, the Reno County MRC participated in a mass pharmaceutical distribution exercise. Twelve MRC volunteers staffed positions in the POD. The Reno County MRC has an ongoing agreement with the local fire department to provide rehabilitation to fire fighters responding to extended scenes. The unit’s involvement with the 2005 countywide exercise was praised by the fire department’s battalion chief as “the best run rehab sector I’ve ever seen.” In February 2006, the Reno County MRC conducted 101 diabetes screenings at the “Battle of the Badges” blood drive, surpassing its goal of 100 screenings for the event. In April 2006, the Reno County MRC participated in a 3-day blood drive. During the week of June 19, 2006, the Reno County MRC will hold diabetes screenings at a local blood drive. Also, on July 1, the unit will conduct diabetes screenings at the annual “Hutch Fest.” What are Some of the Unit’s Achievements?The Reno County MRC has been successful in gaining acceptance from other organizations, such as the American Red Cross and Salvation Army, emergency management agencies, health departments, and hospitals in the local community. The Reno County MRC has been written into the rehabilitation policy and procedures of the Hutchinson Fire Department. In addition, the local hospital readily contacts the MRC for ideas. In 2005, the Reno County MRC received a grant from the state department of health to promote community health. The funds from the grant provided equipment for diabetes screening. In addition, the company Roche donated equipment to the MRC unit for screenings. The unit has conducted more than 700 diabetes screenings since it began in April 2005; 240 screenings were conducted in 2006. Interesting FactsMRC Coordinator Tim Newman also is the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Director. He hopes to have volunteers in both programs trained as CERT and MRC members. The Reno County CERT program has 61 members; 12 also are MRC volunteers. Last Updated on 8/8/2006 |
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