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 Home > MRC Spotlights > Volunteer Spotlight - Winter 2008
What is the focus of the MRC Unit? The mission statement of the Lee County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is to prepare and train medical professionals and other volunteers in Lee County, Mississippi to respond to health needs in their community by supporting ongoing health programs and assisting in the development of new initiatives. Volunteer Background Information: Dr. Kenn Beeman was trained as a cardio thoracic surgeon and retired from his practice in May 2005. Because he wanted to expand his experience with public health, he began his current position working with the Mississippi State Department of Health. In 2006, he also began volunteering with the local Good Samaritan Free Clinic providing primary care. What prompted the volunteer to work with the MRC? Dr. Beeman began working with the Lee County MRC in the beginning of 2006. He saw the importance of having all aspects of the community collaborate to mobilize for assistance and support in an emergency. What is the volunteer's role within the MRC? Dr. Beeman describes his role as more of a program partner to the Lee County MRC. He provides support by promoting the collaboration among the MRC program, the community, and the Mississippi State Department of Health. What are some activities that the volunteer has participated in? Dr. Beeman attended and participated in a board meeting during winter 2007 that related to the establishment of a new state medical assistance team for the northern third of the state, within which there would potentially be some cross-over participation by members of the Lee County MRC. Dr. Beeman attended the meeting in order to represent the views of those health professional volunteers and the perspective of the Department of Health. He described this as a logical extension of the MRC mission. Various stakeholders were brought together to develop this process and lead to the establishment of a supporting statement for the MRC. In fall 2007, Dr. Beeman also promoted the MRC at the local Health Expo, "Live Well". Previously, he also helped by presenting at the 4th Annual Mass Casualty Conference, jointly sponsored by the Lee County MRC and the North Mississippi Medical Center. Interesting facts about the volunteer! Dr. Beeman said that he was proud to represent a community that has one of only two Medical Reserve Corps units in the state. He described it as being just another good thing about living in Tupelo. The community has a great hospital and MRC. In addition to Dr. Beeman's volunteer work he also enjoys playing the trumpet. Despite all of his endeavors, he indicated that his family comes first in his life. He had the good fortune to have met his wife, who he referred to as the love of his life, with whom he has four wonderful children. Last Updated on 4/22/2008 |
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