Home > How to Start an MRC > Technical Assistance Series > Volunteer Retention and Recognition >

Retention: Activities for Keeping Volunteers Engaged

Community Preparedness

One common expression is that a community is only as prepared as its citizens. Many MRC units are creating a culture of preparedness in their communities through activities such as:

• Safety and preparedness expositions or exhibits at health fairs and other events
• Informational sessions with emergency management professionals
• Press briefings and other public information efforts to disseminate preparedness information

September is National Preparedness Month, an ideal time to involve your MRC unit in community preparedness activities. Visit www.ready.gov for more information on community and family preparedness and National Preparedness Month activities.

Public Health and the Surgeon General’s Priorities

Housed in the Office of the Surgeon General, the MRC can promote the Surgeon General’s priorities. By supporting these efforts, the civilian, volunteer MRC program will simultaneously strengthen the nation’s health––one community at a time.

The Surgeon General's priorities are to:

• Increase disease prevention
• Eliminate health disparities
• Strengthen public health preparedness
• Improve health literacy

MRC units nationwide support these priorities through various public health activities such as:

• Health education
• Immunization clinics
• Health screening campaigns
• Participation in events such as Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day
• Participation in community emergency planning efforts

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Last Updated on 9/5/2006