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Unit Spotlight - Summer 2007

When was the Unit Founded?

The OTTR Region 2 MRC was registered on December 11, 2006.

What Drives the Unit?

The OTTR Region 2 is developing MRC teams that will be able to respond to any emergency situation including but not limited to natural hazard, contagious disease, or terrorism. The teams under development include: medical strike teams, EMS strike teams, first-in assessment teams, public health teams, incident management teams, behavioral health teams, and support teams. The teams are being modeled after the teams deployed in response to Hurricane Katrina and are described as being a civilian volunteer form of a DMAT.

How many Volunteers does the Unit have?

The OTTR Region 2 has approximately 80 volunteers with a majority being medical and behavioral health volunteers. The unit continues to receive volunteer applications weekly.

How large is the Unit’s Staff?

The staff consists of three part-time staff members.

Why was the Unit Selected?

Before the OTTR Region 2 was an official MRC unit, it was a local grassroots effort which sent medical volunteers to provide assistance in response to Hurricane Katrina. As a result, the leadership researched the MRC and found it to be a good fit for the community. The unit is now in the process of developing MRC teams that will be able to respond to any emergency situation. The OTTR Region 2 also works with smaller units to strengthen their communities during a public health emergency.

What are some of the Unit’s Activities?

The OTTR Region 2 is currently working on training/response to a possible Tsunami/Earthquake disaster. The unit’s geographical area makes it necessary to prepare for this type of event which would be potentially catastrophic to the surrounding community. The unit has plans for the facilitation of teams and trainings that would culminate in a full scale exercise next summer.

The MRC unit is also building up its membership. The OTTR Region 2 MRC has held recruitment dinners attended by 200 potential volunteers. The unit is also developing opportunities for volunteers to remain active when they are not responding to an emergency.

What are some of the Unit’s Achievements?

The OTTR Region 2 has developed materials such as brochures and volunteer applications. It also has a secure website developed to facilitate the training and core competencies of volunteers.

The unit is a regional MRC covering 6 counties with 12 hospitals, 3 Indian tribes, and approximately 60 EMS agencies. The OTTR Region 2 has successfully spread the word about the MRC and recruit volunteers from these various entities that fully support the MRC.

Last Updated on 9/6/2007