Volunteer Spotlight - Fall 2007

The focus of the Chesapeake Medical Reserve Corps (CMRC) is to support the Surgeon General’s initiatives to strengthen the public health infrastructure and emergency preparedness in their community, and to improve the health, safety and well-being of the citizens of Chesapeake, VA.  The CMRC is a community-based group of volunteers that assist medical response professionals during a large scale emergency and provide public health outreach to improve the health, safety, and well-being of the citizens of Chesapeake, VA.

 

Milton Saunders, M.D., is a retired physician and Susan Saunders, R.N., is a retired nurse.

 

Milton Saunders, M.D. is a CMRC Western Branch Co-Team Leader and CMRC Planning Committee member. Susan Saunders is the Co-Team Leader for the CMRC Western Branch team as well.

 

 

The dedication and commitment of Dr. Milton Saunders and Mrs. Susan Saunders to the Chesapeake Medical Reserve Corps is commendable, and their willingness to reenergize the CMRC is contagious.  Both Dr. and Mrs. Saunders are very enthusiastic about the mission of the CMRC.  They have opened their home for team meetings, as well as participated in several drills and exercises. Not only do they encourage all CMRC members to complete their basic training requirements, but Dr. Saunders has also provided and facilitated the training of CMRC members. Additionally, the CMRC Western Branch Team are spearheading a community outreach beginning with Western Branch Civic Leagues to raise awareness about the CMRC for recruitment and as a community resource; and to educate individuals and families about disaster preparedness and public health.

 

Dr. and Mrs. Saunders make an excellent team as they support each other’s ideas and together implement their plan of action for the Western Branch team and wholeheartedly support the mission of the CMRC.  Their professional training, skills, and background are truly great assets to the CMRC.

 

 

Dr. Milton Saunders and Mrs. Susan Saunders have been members of the Chesapeake Medical Reserve Corps since 2004. 

 

 

Dr. Milton Saunders & Mrs. Susan Saunders have planned, developed, and facilitated the CMRC Western Branch (WB) team monthly meetings.  They recruit new members, encourage members to complete CMRC required basic training, take minutes of meetings, keep team records updated, report attendance, and find speakers for MRC related topics.  The WB team meetings are held on the 2nd Saturdays of each month in their home.  Because attendance has grown, they will start meeting at the Russell Memorial Public Library beginning in October 2007.  In preparation for the meetings the Saunders call and e-mail members, respond to questions, and give directions. They also facilitate the actual meetings and provide follow-up. 

 

Dr. Saunders is a member of the Chesapeake Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) and Chesapeake Citizen Corps Council, which are comprised of representatives from various city departments such as police, fire, public works, etc., and citizens at large.

 

 

Dr. & Mrs. Saunders are also very actively involved in other community and faith organizations.  Mrs. Saunders is a Faith Community Nurse leader, equestrian,
gardener and accomplished chef.  Dr. Saunders plays tennis, is an avid cyclist,
public speaker, aspiring author, and screenwriter.  Both are mentors for “Youth Challenge” an organization dedicated to rehabilitating young adults from drug addiction.