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Getting Started: Potential Deployment Opportunities

Most MRC response and recovery assignments are secured through local and state channels, which is how the MRC program is designed. However, opportunities for MRC volunteers to assist outside their local jurisdiction may arise. Although opportunities for MRC volunteers to leave their local jurisdictions to help in areas affected by disaster may exist, all MRC leaders are encouraged to ensure that local and statewide needs are met prior to committing to national-level deployments. MRC leaders are asked to inform all local and state response partners of MRC activities and any potential activation plans outside of their local jurisdiction.

It is essential that MRC volunteers are not deployed outside of pre-established response mechanisms. Also, it is equally important that volunteers do not self-deploy, under any circumstances.

During the 2004 hurricane season, MRC volunteers were asked to support the American Red Cross (ARC) response activities in Florida. This was the first deployment of MRC volunteers outside of their local jurisdiction.

During the 2005 hurricane season, the MRC strengthened its partnership with the ARC that was initiated in 2004. Prior to Hurricane Katrina's landfall, the ARC disaster operations staff requested MRC support for their sheltering operations. Policies and processes were developed to identify, assign, and activate MRC members willing, able, and authorized to respond. ARC provided transportation, logistical support, and supervision for the deployed MRC members who supported ARC health services and mental health and shelter operations.

MRC members also participated in response activities outside of their local/state jurisdiction through a mission to support HHS response and recovery efforts. The first Federal activation of MRC volunteers occurred on September 15, 2005, when HHS needed staffing support for three special needs shelters in Louisiana. Subsequent mission assignments allowed MRC members to fill positions in Community Health Centers and health clinics on cruise ships housing evacuees in Mississippi and to perform health assessments in Texas.

The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps is working to strengthen these partnerships and solidify the policies and processes for future responses.

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Last Updated on 12/12/2007