Western Maine Medical Reserve Corps

"In Touch" November 2011

2011-11-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

Edition 40—November 2011

In This Issue:

Featured Articles

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Announcements

November—Lung Cancer Awareness Month

LINKS

MRC

NACCHO

Featured Articles

Hilltown MRC/HEART Responds to October's "Winter" Storm

During the rare October 29th snowstorm, the Hampshire Emergency Animal Response Team (HEART), a sub-group of the Hilltown MRC (MA), received a volunteer deployment request from the health director of the city of Northampton. Volunteers were asked to deploy to a regional shelter and co-located animal shelter opened by the city and the American Red Cross (ARC).

Within an hour and a half of receiving the deployment request, both HEART volunteers and members of Berkshire Disaster Animal Response Team (DART) deployed to the animal co-shelter, located at a local high school. The shelter was staffed by American Red Cross personnel, MRC volunteers, and kitchen and facility managers from the school. A total of eight HEART volunteers and two Berkshire DART volunteers staffed the animal shelter.

The volunteers worked 12-hour shifts for five days at the animal shelter, providing administrative and sheltering functions to the 40 animals staying at the shelter, including medical oversight of a veterinarian HEART volunteer.

In addition, Michael Nelson, County Coordinator of the Western Massachusetts MRC, organized 20 volunteers from other Hampshire County MRC units. These volunteers provided medical support at the regional shelter along with ARC personnel, and kitchen and facility managers from the school.

Larry Holmberg, Director of the Hilltown MRC/HEART says, "The snowstorm was the third multi-day deployment for the team in the last six months and each incident has provided needed practical experience for our members. A key point in companion animal sheltering is that our clients are both human and animal. Disasters are stressful for both groups and being able to be together lowers the stress level for each, which also eases the stress for shelter staff. Our experience also shows that people were reluctant to evacuate without their pets, which could have put their health and life in jeopardy."

Project Connect

On September 24, 120 Deschutes County Public Health Reserve Corps (DCPHRC), Oregon Emergency System for the Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (ESAR-VHP) volunteers, and 16 AmeriCorps VISTA members participated in Project Connect (PC) in Redmond, Oregon to honor the victims of 9/11. For two years, the DCPHRC has helped serve and carry out the mission of Project Connect, which is to "rally our region to support and create lasting solutions for those experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness here in Central Oregon. Project Connect is a component of Central Oregon's regional 10 year Strategy to End Homelessness," says State MRC Coordinator, Akiko Berkman.

At PC, two VISTA members acted as American Sign Language interpreters and as a Spanish-English interpreter. Other volunteers registered patients at check-in, provided dental intake and exit interviews, took photos, and produced official copies of birth certificates for guests. The MRC and ESAR-VHP volunteers were deployed as if it was a real mass casualty event and were alerted, registered, pre-verified, confirmed, and went through a check-in and demobilization process. All volunteers worked under the Incident Command System.

"This event is our best marketing tool for recruiting MRC volunteers and is an incredible testament of building community resiliency in our community," says DCHRC unit coordinator, Mary Goodwin.

More than 3,400 people attended the tri-county event, with the medical area serving at least a third of the people with the medical clinic: dental, vision, and mental health, women's health services, HIV and hepatitis C screening, immunizations, addiction screening, fluoride treatments, and other referral services such as Planned Parenthood.

PC is based on a national best practice model—Project Homeless Connect, which originated in San Francisco in 2004. Today, PC has been replicated in over 400 cities across the United States as well as Canada, Puerto Rico, and Australia. Once a year over 680 community volunteers partner with government, non-profits, businesses, schools, and the private sector to provide a one-stop shop of health, social, and humanitarian services for citizens struggling in Central Oregon.

Washington County's DEA Drug Take-Back Event

On Saturday, October 29, 2011, the Southwest Virginia (SWVA) MRC participated in Washington County's (VA) DEA Drug Take-Back event. This event was held at three outdoor venues from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nine SWVA MRC volunteers were tasked with accepting medications from people who either walked or drove to the outdoor venue. The volunteers separated over the counter and prescription medications for appropriate disposal by the sheriff's office.

The weather was a challenge for volunteers because the event was held outdoors while it was snowing; however, the event was successful because volunteers were able to be involved in a "very public event, which involved a very worthwhile public health activity," says unit coordinator, Kristina Morris.

The Washington County Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition was so impressed by the professionalism of the volunteers who assisted with a similar event in April 2011 that the MRC unit was asked to support October's DEA Drug Take-back event. In addition, the SWVA MRC staffed the American Medicine Chest Drug-Take Back event in Wise County, Virginia, on November 12.

MRC/NACCHO Connections

December: Gift the Gift of Health or Preparedness

In honor of the ongoing countdown to the 10th anniversary of the MRC, NACCHO is encouraging MRC units to engage in events each month. In December, contribute to the Gift of Health or Preparedness.

Build a preparedness kit for someone your care about.

Announcements

2011–2012 MRC CBA Update

Submitted CBA applications are currently being reviewed. Awardees will be notified in December 2011. If you have any questions related to your CBA application, please e-mail mrc@naccho.org.

Call for 2012 DCVMRC Recognition Award Nominations

The Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (DCVMRC) will present several awards during an MRC Awards Luncheon at the 2012 Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness and Response Training Summit in Nashville, TN. The Summit will be held during May 21–25, 2012.

We are now accepting nominations for the award categories listed below. Please review the attached 2012 DCVMRC Recognition Awards Technical Assistance document, including detailed instructions on how to make nominations and access the system.

The application is available at https://eweb.naccho.org/eweb/DynamicPage.aspx?WebCode=LoginRequired&expires=yes&Site=NACCHO and is a nomination— the nominator will be providing information for an outstanding MRC unit leader, volunteer, housing organization, or partner and providing answers that justify why that individual/organization deserves an award based on the criteria outlined in the application.

You are welcome and encouraged to nominate multiple people for each category and for as many categories for which you have nominees. Each nomination must be added separately.

Please complete the DCVMRC Recognition Awards online nomination form by Friday, December 16, 2011 at 5 p.m. (EST).

Contact MRCAwards@naccho.org if you need technical assistance with the online application.

If you have any questions about the DCVMRC Recognition Awards, contact LTJG Katie Hager at Katie.Hager@hhs.gov.

To submit information for either MRC: In Touch or MRC: In Focus, please contact Megan Skupien at
mskupien@naccho.org or (202)783-1376.

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1100 17th Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20036

On the Move...

2011-11-19T04:17:00.000-08:00

After a number of years struggling to get our program pulled together, we have worked with key agencies to remove the barriers that we faced. With the help and support of our State and Region Coordinators, we are now ready to move forward.

Our development will begin in Oxford County where County Coordinator Stefanie Wilson will be a working to develop teams in the Mountain Valley, Dirigo, Telstar, and Nesinscot communities. I will be focusing on supporting efforts in Oxford Hills, Fryeburg, and the Sacopee Valley communities. Our goal is to establish community based teams in each area, and assist them in coordinating in recruitment and training. Once these areas are up and running,or if we find motivated individuals who would like to take on the role of county coordinator, we will work to support team development in Androscoggin and Franklin counties.

Program Update

2011-07-01T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello to everyone, and Happy 4th of July. Here is an update on our development:

Earlier this year, the Rumford Local Health Officer was provided permission to become a housing agency for our Mountain Valley Community Team. Stefanie Wilson, Greg Viger and I will be sitting down with David Saphier to work out the details within the next few months.
The MaineResponds web site has provided us with a large number of potential members, most of whom are clinically qualified. We will be making contact with each of them over the summer.
A number of resources have become available to make almost all of our training available online. This will be a comfort to those members who have difficulty attending training sessions.
We are gearing up to resume training sessions in the fall. Our goal is to assure that all members have the core curriculum completed by the end of the year.

I assure you that we will be updating this page more regularly in the coming months. Thank you for your patience as we continue to develop the program.

Christmas Greetings from Upper Merrimack Valley (Mass) MRC

2010-12-15T08:08:00.000-08:00

Wishing You and
Your Loved Ones a
New Year Filled With Great Joy

Sandy and Nancy
Upper Merrimack Valley MRC

Volunteers Building Strong, Healthy, and Prepared Communities

‘Twas the night before clinics
And all through the town,
Health departments were aiming
To shut the flu down.
Vaccinations were stored
In a fridge with great care
In the hopes that our residents
Soon would be there.
On FluZone! On flu mist!
Let’s fight influenza!
Pile the hand sanitizer
Atop the credenza
Tell all the good people,
“Stay home when you’re sick!
You want to be healthy
To greet Old St. Nick.”
So into each clinic
They entered with glee.
Those folks were all welcomed
By our MRC.
Volunteers came out
To these sites with a clatter,
Because Public Health
Was on top of this matter.
Thousands of residents
Came for their shot,
As MRC membership
Helped them a lot.
So we heard them exclaim
As they left with delight,
“Happy New Year To All,
Glad our health is all right!”

New Report Finds H1N1 Hospitalization Rates Higher But Vaccination Rates Lower for Minorities

2010-11-25T11:43:00.000-08:00

Washington, D.C., November 10, 2010 – H1N1 flu hospitalization rates for African-Americans, Hispanics, and American Indian/Alaska Natives were nearly two to one higher than rates for Whites during the 2009-2010 flu season, according to a new report, Fighting Flu Fatigue, from the Trust for America’s Health (TFAH). At the same time, both H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccination rates were lower for African Americans and Hispanics than for Whites.

During the 2009-2010 flu season:

· African American hospitalization rates were 29.7 per 100,000 people compared to White hospitalization rates of 16.3 per 100,000 people. Hispanic hospitalization rates were 30.7 percent per 100,000 people;

· H1N1 vaccination rates were 9.8 percent lower for African-American adults and 4.2 percent lower for African-American children than for Whites;

· Seasonal flu vaccination rates were 16.5 percent lower for African-American adults and 5.6 percent lower for African-American children than for Whites;

· H1N1 vaccination rates were 11.5 percent lower for Hispanic adults than for Whites, although rates were 5.5 percent higher for Hispanic children; and

· Seasonal flu vaccination rates were 21.7 percent lower for Hispanic adults and 2.6 percent lower for Hispanic children than for Whites.

The flu is preventable with a vaccine – yet, each year, between 3,000 and 49,000 Americans die from flu-related illnesses (based on a review of deaths from 1976 to 2007) and the flu contributes to more than $10 billion in lost productivity and direct medical expenses and $16 billion in lost potential earnings each year in the United States. Fighting Flu Fatigue examines lessons from the H1N1 pandemic to inform future flu policies and prevention in the United States.

“Following the H1N1 pandemic, we could take two different paths,” said Jeffrey Levi, PhD, Executive Director of TFAH. “We could go back to a national complacency around the flu or we could build on the momentum of the pandemic response efforts to help spare millions of Americans from suffering yearly from the flu. Building on the work we’ve done would also better prepare the country for future disease outbreaks we may face.”

Last flu season, during the pandemic, flu vaccination rates reached historical highs. Around 44 percent of children ages six months to 17 years received the seasonal flu vaccination and around 40 percent of children received the H1N1 vaccine in 2009-2010. In prior years, childhood flu vaccination rates had been around 24 percent. In 2009-2010, approximately 40 percent of adults were vaccinated against the seasonal flu, compared to past years where vaccination rates had been around 30 percent. The adult H1N1 vaccination rates were approximately 27 percent, but these rates were deflated because of the limited availability of vaccine in the beginning of the outbreak.

This year, for the first time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that all Americans older than six months should get vaccination against the flu. To further combat the flu, increase vaccination rates and build on the momentum from the H1N1 response, the report recommends creating a major campaign that provides:

Education about the need for flu shots, focused on why everyone should get immunized and the safety of the shots;
Special, concerted outreach to minority groups. It is particularly important to use targeted, culturally-appropriate messages and messengers that encourage vaccinations and address negative beliefs and misinformation;
Increased easy access to flu shots, even to people who are uninsured or do not receive regular medical care; and
Incentives for health care workers to be vaccinated. Last season, only 62 percent of health care workers were vaccinated against the seasonal flu and only 37 percent received an H1N1 flu shot by January 2010.

Recommendations for Preparing for a Possible Future Pandemic and Other Health Emergencies

While the H1N1 pandemic was considered to be moderate, it had a serious impact on the country, – infecting around 20 percent of Americans (approximately 60 million individuals) and resulting in approximately 274,000 hospitalizations and 12,000 deaths. In addition, the H1N1 pandemic required a rapid and unprecedented large-scale nationwide public health response, including surveillance, laboratory testing, public and practitioner education, medical countermeasure management, and distribution and launch of a national vaccination campaign.

The Fighting Flu Fatigue report examined a range of after-action assessments and found that the response to the H1N1 outbreak showed that investments made to support emergency health preparedness meant the country was much better prepared to respond to a pandemic than it would have been just a few years ago. However, the outbreak also revealed ongoing issues for public health preparedness – including some real-world lessons and long-standing infrastructure gaps.

One key factor that hampered the H1N1 response was that, even in the middle of the outbreak, budget cuts resulted in the loss of more than 23,000 jobs in local health departments, mandatory furloughs, and shortened work weeks for 13,000 local health departments.

The report also highlighted several lessons learned from the H1N1 outbreak, most notably that:

· Emergency funds are essential – but not sufficient for backfilling the long-standing public health infrastructure issues;

· Pandemic and emergency response plans must be adaptable and science-driven;

· Establishing trust with the public through clear and honest communication is imperative – and the highest-risk groups often have the lowest levels of trust;

· Recommendations for sick leave, school closings, and limiting community gatherings have major ramifications that must be taken into account;

· Coordination across communities, states, and countries is extremely complicated, but must be a high priority; and

· Competing emergency declarations and laws must be better coordinated to avoid confusion and provide protection to volunteers.

In addition, the report found key areas that must be at-the-ready for potential emergencies and to respond to the seasonal flu, but are often deficient due to lack of resources, including:

· Up-to-date and available pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and medical equipment;

· Surge capacity to provide mass care to patients; and

· Core public health infrastructure, such as surveillance, laboratory capacity, and workforce.

The report was supported by a grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and is available on TFAH’s website at www.healthyamericans.org.

Trust for America’s Health is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to saving lives by protecting the health of every community and working to make disease prevention a national priority. www.healthyamericans.org

###

"In Touch" October 2010

2010-11-25T11:40:00.000-08:00

Edition 27—October 2010

In This Issue:

Featured Article

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Announcements

October—National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

National Dental Hygiene Awareness Month

LINKS

MRC

2011 Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness, and Response Training Summit

MRC at NACCHO

Featured Article

MRC Units Participate in National Preparedness Month

During the month of September, MRC units nationwide participated in various public health activities in honor of National Preparedness Month.

Central Nebraska MRC

The Central Nebraska MRC unit participated in the national campaign event, "9/11 Drill Down for Safety—Text First, Talk Second." This campaign was created by the Safe America Foundation to raise public awareness of the importance in using text messaging for non-emergency communications during a disaster.

During disasters, voice networks can get jammed with people calling one another for non-vital communications, resulting in people being unable to contact emergency services or loved ones when they are in desperate need of help.

Unit coordinator, Shelly Boden wanted to convey the importance of texting and not calling during a disaster. Phone systems can become overwhelmed as families and friends attempt to confirm their loved ones, while text messages will still go through.

The Central Nebraska MRC e-mailed 72 volunteers and used Facebook to promote this message to the public. For more information on how you can join hundreds of thousands in this preparedness activity, please visit
http://www.safeamericaprepared.org/index.php.

Alleghany Cattaraugus Chautauqua County MRC

The Alleghany Cattaraugus Chautauqua County MRC worked in partnership with the local CERT team to distribute information and provide blood glucose testing at a "Remember 9/11 Blood Drive and First Responders Day" event, coordinated by the American Red Cross.

Approximately 500 people attended the event, where information was distributed about lyme disease and ticks, diabetes, and emergency preparedness.

Other activities during the event included the American Red Cross blood drive, a heavy rescue show that included a vehicle extrication and demonstration with local fire departments, EMS Personnel, and others.

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Updates to Tobacco Program Guidelines

The National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have issued an update to the Program and Funding Guidelines for Comprehensive Local Tobacco Control Programs. The document was originally published in 2001, and it was based on the 1999 and 2007 CDC Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs. The 2010 update contains the latest tobacco control evidence and data on the effects of inflation on program funding estimates.

These new guidelines will help local health department decision-makers and health planners select and fund evidence-based interventions to reduce and prevent tobacco use, identify and eliminate health disparities related to tobacco use, and protect people from secondhand smoke.

For more information, visit this link: http://www.naccho.org/toolbox/tool.cfm?id=1994.

If you are interested in receiving the tobacco newsletter please click here: http://www.naccho.org/topics/HPDP/tobacco/distributionlist.cfm.

Announcements

2011 Integrated Training Summit Abstract and Poster Submissions

The 2011 Integrated Training Summit Planning Committee is currently accepting abstracts and poster presentations to be considered for the 2011 Integrated Training Summit that will be held in Grapevine, Texas from May 1-5, 2011. Deadline to submit abstracts for session consideration is October 29, 2010. The deadline to submit abstracts for poster presentations is February 1, 2011.

For more information, please visit the abstract submission page at http://teams.hhs.gov/conference/.

Register Today for the 2011 Public Health Preparedness Summit

The 2011 Public Health Preparedness Summit will be held in Atlanta February 22-25, 2011. Register early to save money for the 2011 Public Health Preparedness Summit at http://www.phprep.org/2011/register/.

To learn more about why you should attend the 2011 Summit, visit http://www.phprep.org.

MRC Units Needed to Test Toolkit and Website

We are seeking MRC units throughout the country to participate in the testing of a toolkit and web site for MRC units. The purpose of the toolkit is to assess the effectiveness of engaging volunteers in flu clinics this fall. It will identify the strengths of engaging volunteers in public health activities, specifically flu clinics, and the barriers experienced by volunteers. The project is the result of a partnership between the Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC), NACCHO, the Harvard School of Public Health, and the Georgetown University.

The toolkit can be found on the Harvard School of Public Health's Center for Public Health Preparedness web site at http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hcphp/mrc-toolkit/.

For additional information on how you can become involved, please review the announcement at http://www.naccho.org/topics/emergency/MRC/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=161431.

MRC Lessons Learned and Experience Sharing

"MRC lessons learned and experience sharing" is a way for MRC units to share their practices, examples, and success stories. It is designed to highlight the challenges and successes of MRC units' involvement with emergency preparedness, response, and public health activities; therefore, MRC units and their leaders can learn from one another.

http://www.naccho.org/topics/emergency/MRC/resources/mrcshare.cfm

Award Given to Increase MRC Participation in Health Department Activities

Jefferson School of Population Health announces a $10,000 faculty development award from the University of Kentucky Center for Public Health Systems and Services Research funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to Tamar Klaiman, PhD, MPH to create and evaluate messages to increase Medical Reserve Corps participation in local health department activities.
http://www.naccho.org/topics/emergency/MRC/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&pageid=162284

To submit information for either MRC: In Touch or MRC: In Focus, please contact Megan Skupien at mskupien@naccho.org or (202)783-1376.

1100 17th Street, NW, 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20036

WCSH6.com | Portland, ME | CDC: New England tops in swine flu vaccinations

2010-04-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

WCSH6.com | Portland, ME | CDC: New England tops in swine flu vaccinations

Please Support the Red Cross Recovery Response

2010-01-13T17:46:00.000-08:00

https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?3916.donation=form1&idb=211462100&df_id=3916&JServSessionIdr004=w2qvlnvnc3.app234a

Happy Holidays

2009-12-24T18:05:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to all members and friends who celebrate it. To all others, we wish you a healthy and happy season.

MRC Musters Mass Vax

2009-11-21T12:04:00.000-08:00

Members of the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps provided vaccinations and support functions to the RSU#10 H1N1 Flu Clinics held November 14 &21st. School Nurse Erin Wainright and Kathy Sutton coordinated the majority of the medical functions while MRC volunteers supported screening, registration and other functions. At the Buckfield event, School Nurse Lee Barry oversaw the vaccination operation.

Young Marines Honored

2009-11-21T11:35:00.000-08:00

Cpl. Brittany Chase and Rct. Gavin Sanders with MRC Unit Coordinator
Kevin Saisi and The Young Marines Leaders Not present were

Paymaster Arlene Raymond, Pvt. Richard LaPointe, Rct. Fred Harrington,
Cpl. Robert West,Rct. Kathleen Dubois,Pvt. Michael West,
Pfc. Jesse Raymond, Rct. Devin Dubois and X.O. Clint Curtis

Members of the Western Maine Young Marines were honored recently at the VFW hall in Jay. The Young Marines had participated in a critical drill required for emergency planning purposes after attempts to solicit adult volunteers were unsuccessful. The group was provided with short notice, but still was able to pull together the middle of April vacation. Their participation was requested by the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps (OCMRC). Unit Coordinator Kevin Saisi presented certificates of appreciation issued and signed by RADM Michael Milner, the Region I Health Administrator and Chief Health Services Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, whose office oversees the Medical Reserve Corps program in New England.

Oxford County MRC Participates in Drill

2009-09-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

MRC members Vernon_John Gibbins, Audrey Banks and
Bradley Damm listen carefully as they are briefed prior to the drill

Members of the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps participated in a drill at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on September 27th. The drill was a first for Maine, and perhaps the northeast. Local firefighters set up an overflow medical facility known as an Alternate Care Site in the gymnasium. The MRC provided three nurses, four current and former EMTs, and one support volunteer to work along with two retired doctors, a physician assistant, and a nurse. The team provided care to high school patients with simulated injuries. Patients who were sent to the site had mild injuries compared to those who were sent to the hospital, where a staff handled a large number of major simulated injuries.

The MRC was fortunate to have the participation of these members. Despite a roster of 94 people throughout Oxford County, only 10% were available to attend. MRC members are all volunteer, and the timing of this drill comes in the middle of the vaccination program. Some members have been working to assist SAD #44 and RSU #10 with administering the seasonal flu vaccine to school children. That, along with their jobs and other obligations limited the availability of a larger number of participants. The MRC is working to recruit more volunteers. If you would like to be involved in assisting health care and public health systems, please contact us by email at info@ocfordcountymrc.org or visit www.oxfordcountymrc.org.

009 National Conference on "Community Preparedness: The Power of Citizen Corps"

2009-08-17T08:03:00.001-07:00

Richard Hatchett, director of medical preparedness policy for the White House National Security Council, delivers keynote remarks on the topic of "H1N1 Preparedness: The Role of Civic Organizations in assisting in Response."

watch

Mass Antibiotic Dispensing: A Primer

2009-08-15T08:27:00.001-07:00

Here is a CDC training opportunityView

Shared via AddThis

MRC Participates In Drill

2009-04-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps (OCMRC) participated in a drill in Norway to set up an Alternate Care Facility at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. OCMRC took a lead in coordinating the volunteer efforts. Assisting OCMRC was the Western Maine Young Marines, based out of Camp Keys in Augusta. A number of youngsters aged from 8-16 performed the bulk of the work to move and set up the facility.

An Alternate Care Facility is designed to provide treatment for persons involved in a mass casualty event. The facilities are usually set up in public buildings and take on overflow from area health care facilities. An Alternate Care Facility can be set up in any large space an need not be restricted to a school or other public building. The supplies are made available through Maine CDC and coordinated by the Regional Resource Center. This was the first time an Alternate Care Facility has been set up in Maine. Other areas plan to follow suit using the lessons learned in this exercise.

Today's event did not involve medical staffing. In the near future, plans are being made to stand up the facility for a simulated drill involving patients and providers. Persons interested in volunteering as a medical provider, support staff member or patient can contact us at info@westernmainemrc.org.

Where The Medical Reserve Corps fits into Emergency Preparedness

2009-01-20T04:58:00.000-08:00

With so many organizations out there, it is easy to become confused as to their varied functions. We all know that the emergency management system is responsible for coordinating resources in an emergency, but exactly where do organizations such as the Medical Reserve Corps, CERT, and the Red Cross fit in?

The Red Cross is a national organization with local chapters. They have agreements with various levels of government to perform a number of functions dealing with human needs. One of these functions is emergency sheltering. They provide leadership in the establishment and operation of shelters throughout the nation.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) operate under a national framework and curriculum. They are a local resource that can be mobilized to assist in other regions. They assist the Red Cross in providing sheltering in local communities. They are also trained to do sweeps of the community to assure safety and aid to victims of the emergency. There are specialized CERT teams who take care of animal sheltering in emergencies. They are the County Animal Response Teams (CART). There are also radio CERT groups who are affiliated with the Amateur Radio Emergency Services program, providing radio communication.

The Medical Reserve Corps operates under nationally recommended guidelines, but the teams are independent local resources. The national program has a mechanism to permit volunteers to assist with national disasters if the team and individual choose to participate. Each unit is developed to meet the needs of the community. In Western Maine their function is to provide for the needs of people with medical, emotional and psychological special needs. They also assist Maine CDC with mass prophylaxis (immunizations) and hospital surge capacity.

It takes many people with varied training to meet the needs of a community recovering from a crisis. Regardless of which organization you choose to join, you can be sure that your involvement will make a difference to somebody in need.

Switching Gears

2009-01-01T00:18:00.000-08:00

As the new year begins, we will be switching gears. I received notification last night that we did not receive the $5,000 capacity building grant this year. This has a couple of implications for our organization. This past year, we were able to fund10 hours a week for team development and recruitment on a stipend. It also covered travel to the many corners of our territory. Now, not only will less time be spent, but a portion of that time will need to be dedicated to fundraising efforts. This means that our expansion into Androscoggin and Franklin counties will be curtailed and local efforts will need to be increased to assure that our program continues to develop to meet the needs of our communities.

Our board will be meeting via conference call on January 7th to discuss further implications to this fiscal adjustment.

Efforts in Jay Underway

2008-12-15T11:39:00.000-08:00

Western Maine MRC would like to thank newly elected Representative Paul Gilbert of Jay for referring community organizer, and former legislative candidate Peggy Dwyer to us. Ms. Dwyer has joined our board and will serve as the Upper Androscoggin Valley Coordinator serving Jay, Livermore and Livermore Falls. Ms. Dwyer's efforts represent our first structured efforts in Androscoggin and Franklin counties since we added them to our territory earlier this year.

Over 25 Register at Bethel Home Show

2008-12-15T11:37:00.000-08:00

Local Bethel icon Ginny Walker assisted Unit Coordinator Kevin Saisi to recruit over 25 people to the Oxford County Unit of the Medical Reserve Corps. The event held December 6th at Telstar High School had moderate attendance. Despite this, Ginny was able to draw a large number of the locals to the table. The recruitment will expedite plans to develop a team in the Bethel area under the Central Oxford Region, coordinated by Mike Hatch. This team will join others being formed or considered in Mexico/Dixfield, Canton, Sumner and Norway. Training for Oxford County volunteers is scheduled to begin in January.

National Program Quarterly Report

2008-11-24T09:18:00.000-08:00

MRC Status and Activity Highlights:

We are pleased to welcome 34 new MRC units that were registered with the Office of the Surgeon General during this quarter:

Region		Region
1	Shoreline MRC (CT)	5	Northwest Illinois MRC
1	South Hadley/Granby MRC (MA)	5	Stickney Township MRC (IL)
1	Greater Manchester MRC (NH)	5	Clark County MRC (IN)
1	Greater Monadnock MRC (NH)	5	Fillmore County MRC (MN)
1	Southern Strafford Community MRC (NH)	5	Kandiyohi County MRC (MN)
1	Bristol MRC–Region 6 (NH)	5	Goodhue County MN Responds MRC
1	Greater Sullivan County MRC (NH)	5	Winona County MRC (MN)
1	Lakes Region MRC (NH)	5	Hancock County MRC (OH)
3	Chester County MRC (PA)	5	Erie County MRC (OH)
4	Mobile Junior MRC (AL)	6	Capital High School Jr. MRC (NM)
4	Impact Club Jr. MRC (AL)	6	Onate High School Jr. MRC (NM)
4	Pinellas County MRC (FL)	6	Hatch High School Junior MRC (NM)
4	Mississippi Veterinary Response Corps	6	OK Region 5 – Okfuskee County MRC
4	NC Baptist Men MRC Central Region	6	OK Region 6 – Pottawatomie County MRC
4	South Central Tennessee Regional MRC	7	Nemaha County MRC (KS)
4	West Tennessee MRC	7	West Central Nebraska MRC
5	Egyptian Medical Reserve Unit (IL)	10	Marion County MRC (OR)

During this period, 7 MRC units were de-registered. At the end of the reporting period there were 168,996 volunteers enrolled in 787 MRC units in all 49 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Palau, and Puerto Rico. (Note: the number of volunteers is collated from the information provided by MRC units as part of their profiles on the MRC website)

During this quarter, MRC units reported 1,316 activities as part of their profiles on the MRC website: 209 administrative, 395 preparedness, 151 public health, 171 response and 390 training. Samples of the activities that MRC units have been involved in during this reporting period include:

Public Health

The Santa Rosa (FL) MRC sponsored a "Back to School Bash" for children needing school physicals and immunizations, and provided services to 103 students.
Twenty-five Fulton County (OH) MRC volunteers participated in a community festival by providing blood pressure screenings, conducting a survey for the county’s family and children council, and raffling a Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Bag.
The Boone County (IN) MRC supported a booth at the county 4-H fair for seven days, and provided tetanus boosters and body mass index screenings.
The Maui County (HI) Health Volunteers MRC vaccinated new Fire Department recruits against Hepatitis B and provided information on Hepatitis B and other blood borne pathogens.
MRC volunteers from all six New England States staffed an exhibit booth at the Eastern States Exposition for two weeks. This was the first regional collaboration effort for promotion of the MRC.
The Wachusett (MA) MRC participated in the “WHACK the Flu” event to teach young children basics about preventing the spread of flu and cold viruses.
Virginia Beach (VA) MRC volunteers supported and served on the medical team for the City of Virginia Beach's Annual Rock ‘N Roll 1/2 Marathon.
More than 100 Texas State Guard Medical Brigade MRC volunteers supported Operation Lone Star 2008 in the Rio Grande Valley and provided healthcare for the underserved populations in the area.
Members of the Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC assisted at the MS Society Bike Ride by checking riders for hydration and heat exhaustion at water stops. Members also assisted with the 28th National Veterans Wheel Chair Games.
The Sedgwick County (KS) MRC participated in a Boys and Girls Club Health Fair. Volunteers provided information to attendees on the location of clinics for the uninsured, underinsured, and underserved. The unit also provided blood pressure checks and answered health-related questions.
The Douglas County (KS) MRC conducted a hand-washing demonstration for the Lawrence Public Schools C-TRAN program.
The South-Central Missouri MRC assisted with Stage 4 of the Tour of Missouri bicycle race by participating in the Health and Wellness Expo, staffing a first-aid shelter, and monitoring over 7,500 spectators to identify emergency needs.
The Stoddard County (MO) MRC participated in the Golden Living Health Fair.
Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC volunteers provided over 200 blood pressure checks and medical care at a road race, parade, and BBQ cook-off during the River City Roundup Celebration.
Twenty-three members of the Mesa County (CO) MRC staffed the first aid station at the Mesa County Fair.
The MRC of Southwestern Vermont provided a medical triage and treatment tent at the Hoosic River Ride, with medical cots, equipment, and supplies to manage acute illness/injuries.
Seventy-five volunteers with the Maine Township (IL) MRC provided medical assistance for a 3-Day Walk to Fight Breast Cancer.
The Rhode Island MRC provided medical triage and care for participants the Ironman Triathlon.
The Hendricks County (IN) MRC assisted with a meningitis outbreak.
Members of the Muskegon County (MI) MRC assisted with a 5K First Aid Station.
Preparedness/Training
The Ventura County (CA) MRC participated in a 36 hour community training exercise focusing on the skills needed in a catastrophic Medical Disaster. ICS, START Triage, alternate care, Psychological First Aid, mass fatalities, decontamination, and radiation detection were emphasized.
The Dallas County (AL) MRC partnered with a local university to offer training on health advocacy and how to become community health advisors.
The Lake County (CA) MRC participated in a POD exercise at which they offered and administered Tdap vaccinations to first responders.
The Boyle Country (KY) MRC participated in a HazMat railcar exercise by providing rehab services for the Fire Department during the training event.
Forty-five volunteers with the San Diego County (CA) MRC participated in an Alternate Care Site (ACS) training in which they set up and ran the ACS.
The Whatcom County (WA) MRC Unit Leader participated in a county-wide exercise. Working in real time, the Unit Leader learned that over 100 MRC volunteers from MRC units across the state could have arrived within the first 24 hours.
The Philadelphia (PA) MRC held a National Incident Management System (IS-700) and Incident Command System (ICS-100) training for 50 volunteers.
Eighty-five volunteers with the Pee Dee and SCMeD6 (SC) MRC units participated in a day-long regional disaster team training session. Incident Command System and legal considerations were presented along with a SNS/POD exercise.
Ninety-five volunteers attended the half day Los Angeles (CA) MRC Annual Training Conference that emphasized Points of Dispensing (POD), hospital triage, and the State’s ESAR-VHP program.
The Greater New Bedford (MA) MRC sponsored a successful full-day resource and sustainability training for leaders.
The Pelham (NH) MRC worked with Pelham CERT to organize, inventory, and prepare the towns Medical Emergency Supplies.
The Grafton (MA) MRC participated in the community’s “National Night Out” event, which drew a record crowd of 1,000. The unit had a display and gave away “go and stay” kits.
The UMASS Amherst and Upper Merrimack Valley (MA) MRC units participated in SMART Triage Trainings.
The Oklahoma County (OK) MRC held Psychological First Aid and P-FLASH training for mental health professionals.
The Big Country (TX) MRC planned and completed a tornado disaster exercise with the local hospital, EMS, fire department, police department, Dyess Air Force personnel, and citizens.
The Collin County (TX) MRC held orientation, NIMS training, and Personal Preparedness training.
The Arkansas AHEC Northwest MRC unit leaders participated in a Tornado Disaster Drill through the Washington County Emergency Operations Center, which involved six hospitals in four counties. The primary focus was on testing communications and training with the AWIN radio system to coordinate MRC deployment to area hospitals.
Oklahoma MRC units supported the state OKMRC program in sponsoring National Preparedness Month exhibits at Wal-Mart stores throughout Oklahoma that included demonstrations and displays for personal preparedness.
The Texas County (MO) MRC participated in HazMat awareness training.
Harvey County (KS) MRC volunteers participated in a mass dispensing exercise.
Sedgwick County (KS) MRC members supported the county CRI SNS Strike team and POD teams in a full scale exercise involving three municipalities in two counties. The Strike Team practiced receipt of the SNS, breakdown, and redistribution process. The POD teams provided the sites with JIT training, POD setup assistance, and support.
The Butler County (KS) MRC participated in a mass pharmaceutical distribution exercise.
Jefferson County (KS) MRC volunteers assisted with a regional public health epidemiology tabletop exercise.
Southeast Nebraska MRC members participated in a tabletop exercise which evaluated the capability of hospitals and health department personnel ability to handle the influx of patients during a pandemic.
The Lincoln-Pike-Warren Counties (MO) Regional MRC hosted a full-day NIMS 100 and 700 training session.
St. Louis County (MO) MRC and CERT members participated in a full-scale mass dispensing exercise.
Texas County (MO) MRC members participated in IS-700 training with CERT and Neighborhood Watch, and distributed 2-1-1 information at the Texas County Health Fair.
Jefferson County (KS) MRC members assisted the local public health department during a state-sponsored functional exercise testing the ability to distribute medical assets (SNS distribution), as well as with a local exercise testing the ability to set up and conduct Point of Dispensing for identified private partners.
Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC members participated in an Offutt Air Force Base disaster drill.
Marshall County (KS) MRC members participated in a pandemic influenza mass dispensing exercise.
Douglas County (KS) MRC members received Psychological First Aid training.
Central Nebraska MRC staffed a Safety Day booth at Hilltop Mall in Kearney, NE.
The South-Central Missouri MRC participated in a POD exercise using NIMS during the Phelps County Health Department’s 2008 Fall Flu Clinic and provided 401 flu vaccinations.
Central Nebraska MRC members participated in decontamination training and training with a portable hospital POD at the Nebraska LEPC Conference.
Two members of the Utah County (UT) MRC attended a week long training course in Pandemic Influenza Planning and Preparation at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Aniston, AL.
The Marin County (CA) MRC trained 62 MRC unit leaders in START Triage at the 2008 MRC Western Summit.
The Fresno County (CA) MRC collected wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment for a disaster cache for the MRC.
Twenty-seven volunteers with the Hunterdon County (NJ) MRC participated in respirator fit testing.

Response
Fifteen volunteers with the Colorado Veterinary MRC supported the Democratic National Convention by providing medical support for police working dogs.
The Maryland Defense Force-Baltimore County Emergency Medical Volunteers MRC completed Post Deployment Health Reassessments for Army combat teams recently returned from Iraq and expects to provide an additional 1,000 assessments in the near future.
The Southwest Alabama MRC was activated by the Alabama Department of Health to staff 8 shelters as well as an evacuation center.
Massachusetts Region 4b MRC had five volunteers participate in bird washing after a chemical spill.
Thirty-six volunteers from the North Shore-Cape Ann Emergency Preparedness Coalition MRC were activated for the Peabody Fire Response.
Boston (MA) MRC volunteers were used for medical screening during the Annual 4th of July Celebration.
MRC volunteers from 17 MRC units in Kentucky staffed a Federal Medical Station for evacuees from Hurricane Gustav.[D1]
The Wisconsin Disaster Medical Response Team MRC was placed on standby for medical and safety support to K-9 teams for search and rescue of an autistic adult.
The Des Plaines (IL) MRC assisted with special needs sheltering with the Red Cross due to flooding.
In response to the effects of severe storms, several MRC units in Ohio (Clark, Xenia, Cincinnati, Newark and Dayton) were activated to support their local Red Cross, provide special needs shelter support, and conduct damage assessments.
Over 200 volunteers with the Harris County Gateway to Care MRC (Houston, TX) staffed a shelter of last resort for medically fragile patients who were not able to evacuate in response to Hurricane Ike. Volunteers also delivered more than 3,000 meals to homebound medically fragile individuals immediately after the hurricane, assisted with behavioral health support, and staffed phone lines to assist and identify persons needing shelters.
One hundred volunteers with the Northeast Texas MRC staffed a 100-bed medical special needs shelter during the recent hurricane response.
The Dallas County (TX) MRC was activated twice and assisted with sheltering operations in response to Hurricanes Gustav and Ike (where 1,000 and 1,200 evacuees were sheltered). The unit also staffed a dialysis shelter for patients from the Houston area recovering from Hurricane Ike at the Dallas Convention Center.
The Miller County (AR) MRC in coordination with local emergency management and other partners supported a special needs sheltering operation in response to Hurricane Gustav where approximately 1,440 individuals were assisted.
The Northwest Louisiana MRC was responsible for medical stations which provided first aid and prescription assistance at local shelters hosting evacuees.
The Alamogordo High School (NM) Junior MRC assisted medical and incident command personnel in providing triage assistance and care to students that were evacuated during a bomb threat. Several members assisted the students and faculty who had to be treated for heat exhaustion, a student who collapsed from hypoglycemia, handed out water to students and faculty, and moved vulnerable persons to shaded areas.
Oklahoma MRC was activated in response to Hurricane Gustav to support medical, public health, mental health, and pharmacy operations in the Oklahoma City Lucent Center Evacuee Shelter. One hundred and sixteen volunteers worked 1,300 hours in this response.
The OVMA SART (OK) MRC helped to establish a co-located animal shelter for Hurricane Gustav evacuees' pets and provided subsequent medical care. A total of 32 patients were cared for utilizing 85.5 donated volunteer hours.
Twenty members of the Colorado MRC provided support during the Democratic National Convention by standing by for technical decontamination assistance to the mobile field forces.
The Colorado STAR MRC provided medical standby coverage for the Citizen Corps CERT Summer Games.
Administration
MRC units participated in the Connecticut Citizen Corps Meeting.
The Cabell –Wayne (WV) MRC held a meeting of the “Cabell/Wayne Kids Corps” to discuss the volunteerism possibilities for children. The children started a list of activities that they would be interested in doing in their schools as well as other ways they could be of service to the community.
The Craighead and Crittenden County (AR) MRC units participated in a monthly video teleconference call sponsored by the Arkansas Department of Health to further enhance coordination of the MRC units in the state.
The Williamson County (TX) MRC participated in the Local Emergency Planning Committee meeting.
The West Texas MRC participated in developing a Medical Special Needs Shelter Plan with the El Paso City Health Department and other community leaders.
The Saline (MO) MRC sponsored a 5K run and one-mile dog owner fun walk to raise money for pets in emergencies.
The Shawnee County (KS) MRC hosted the Kansas statewide MRC meeting.
Kathy Mersch, a volunteer with the Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC, received a “Be Prepared” Award from Nebraska Lt. Governor Rick Sheehy. The award was given for Mersch’s efforts during tornado and high-winds disasters during the summer, when she helped mobilize and ensure volunteers’ safety during recovery efforts.
The Bay Area MRC Coordinators’ meeting was held in California to coordinate training and exercise events for the 2008-2009 year.
MRC Program Office Activities and Accomplishments:
The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC) is housed within the Office of the Surgeon General (OSG), and has a mission to support local efforts to establish, implement, and sustain MRC units nationwide. Office activities include strategic planning, coordination, policy development, program operations, and a new function - deployment operations. These activities are carried out by OSG/OCVMRC staff, as well as onsite and regional contract staff. A staff directory can be found on the MRC website at: http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/About.
Major activities and accomplishments during the reporting period included:
1 new state MRC coordinator was appointed:
Ohio, Rebecca Serpette (614-995-0324, rebecca.serpette@odh.ohio.gov
MRC staff participated, presented and/or exhibited at the following meetings and conferences:
American Veterinary Medical Association
National Dental Association
National Association of Local Boards of Health
National Medical Association
American Psychological Association
National Association of County and City Health Officials/Association of State and Territorial Health Officials Annual Meeting
Region 5 MRC Meeting
Western Regional MRC Summit (Regions 9 and 10)
Region 1 - Regional Interagency Steering Committee Meeting
Georgia Statewide MRC Meeting
Department of Veteran Affairs Disaster Emergency Medical Personnel System Meetings
Region V OPHS COOP Group
Arkansas Statewide Preparedness Conference
Louisiana Volunteer Summit hosted by LA Department of Health and Hospitals
VIP Day at Operation Lone Star (Lower Rio Grande Valley, TX)
The MRC website continues to be a great source of information for MRC leaders and others interested in the MRC program. During the reporting period, we saw the following usage of the website:
The MRC Leaders Listserv (Two-Way) had 562 subscribers at the end of the reporting period, and 198 messages were sent during the quarter.
The MRC Listserv (One-Way) had 2,046 subscribers at the end of the reporting period, and 16 messages were sent during the quarter.
The MRC State Coordinators Listserv had 38 subscribers at the end of the reporting period.
Technical Assistance (TA) Assessments have been instituted as a tool for guiding discussion about an MRC unit’s needs and priorities for organizational development.
The MRC was mentioned in at least 16 newspaper and other types of articles during the reporting period. See the “News and Events” page on the MRC website for links.
MRC-TRAIN expanded its user base to 10,072 registered users - 1,309 of whom registered during this quarter. MRC-TRAIN has 44 approved course providers, and 22 courses were posted over the past quarter.

Upcoming MRC Program Office activities for the next quarter include:
MRC Deployment Training (October 2008 in Bethesda, MD)

Regions 7 and 8 MRC Meeting (October 2008 in Kansas City, KS)
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (October 2008 in Las Vegas, NV)
American Association of Medical Assistants (October 2008 in Rosemont, IL)
Region 6 MRC Meeting (October 2008 in El Paso, TX)
Regions 2 and 3 MRC Meeting (November 2008 in Atlantic City, NJ)
International Association of Emergency Managers (November 2008 in Overland Park, KS)
Region 1 MRC Meeting (November 2008 in Portsmouth, NH)
American Speech-Language Hearing Association (November 2008 in Chicago, IL)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (December 2008 in Orlando, FL)
MRC Capacity Building Work Group Meeting (December 2008 in New Orleans, LA)
American Association for Respiratory Care (December 2008 in Anaheim, CA)

MRC Seeks Volunteers

2008-10-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

The Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps needs your help. We are establishing teams throughout the county to act as local responders to major events. Our function will be to assist Maine CDC and local hospitals with staffing hospital overflow care facilities, mass immunization clinics, and special needs shelters. We need both clinical staff as well as support personnel.

Clinical Volunteers: If you have training working in a medical capacity we have positions that need your expertise. We also need help from those with mental health training and spiritual support.

Support Volunteers: We cannot function without a large number of people who can perform support functions such as checking people in, issuing and receiving paperwork, or simply directing people to the appropriate place. If you can sit or stand for a couple of hours, we need you on our team.

Leadership Volunteers: Every good organization needs a few good leaders. Under the Incident Command System, we need to fill a number of positions to assure that the process runs smoothly. If you have leadership experience, we need to speak with you about how your experience can best work into our system.

“A disaster is NOT the time to be trading business cards” – Rick Sarino, Boston EMS

When an emergency occurs, it is too late to begin screening and training volunteers. Our program handles those tasks ahead of time. We review each applicant, do a background check, and verify credentials. We then provide members with both online and in-person training based upon their level of participation. People who wish to be available for deployment Outside of Oxford County are required to take additional training.

The Northern Oxford District Coordinator will be holding an
Informational Meeting
October 28th, 6:00pm
Mexico Recreation Center
For more information visit
OxfordCountyMRC.org or call 357-1821

Public Health Preparedness Program Needs Volunteers

2008-10-15T05:53:00.000-07:00

When someone needs help, you want to lend a hand. When a community needs help, it takes many hands to provide the necessary services. Wouldn't you want to help your community?

A new volunteer group is being formed in the region, dedicated to providing assistance during major emergencies. This group is the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps. Its members are pre-registered, screened and trained to be ready to provide vaccination, healthcare, and emotional support services when needed.

This past year, our local hospitals were filled to capacity with seasonal flu patients. Many patients were sent home to be cared for by family and other providers. Only the most ill were kept in the hospital. Despite this, Rumford Hospital still had more patients than it could handle. If a major emergency had occured, they would have had difficulty treating the injured people. The Medical Reserve Corps program could provide both medical and support personnel to help in staffing an alternate hospital site in a school or other location to handle the less seriously injured persons.

The public health system in Maine is less developed than in some other states. Maine CDC has a number of employees, but hardly enough to cover the entire state. Our local towns have health officers who are tasked with handling the health needs of the community. For some towns, the health officer is the town manager, who has no public health education. In the event that we had an outbreak of some communicable disease, Maine CDC may decree that all citizens be provided with immunizations. With little support from the state, and no local health infastructure, our communities would be unprepared to perform this task. The local hospital would likely be busy handling people who are already suffering from the disease. The Medical Reserve Corps could provide staffing for an immunization clinic and assure that everyone was provided the care they needed.

During the Ice Storm of 1998, many people had to spend the time in shelters due to a lack of heat. With a potential for heating oil costs being high this year, it is possible that many more will need to make use of emergency shelters. Unfortunately, some of our fellow citizens have healthcare, or social-emotional needs that would keep them from being in able to stay in a traditional shelter environment. These needs would be provided for by a special needs shelter run by the Medical Reserve Corps. People trained to assist these people would be on hand to provide medical, and other support for the duration of the event.

Each of these scenarios is very possible in our community. There is always a potential for a chemical or gas leak, and our weather seems to be getting more severe every year. We need you to be a part of our team. If you can sit or stand for a couple of hours to hand out paperwork or direct people where to go next, you are qualified. Of course, we also are looking for those with medical and mental health training. Current and former EMTs, CNAs, Doctors and Nurses are all welcome. We also encourage our veterans and others with valuable training that would be beneficial in such instances.

Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps is part of a program coordinated nationally by the U.S. Public Health Service, Office of the Surgeon General, and in Maine by the Maine Centers for Disease Control. We are currently developing teams throughout Oxford County.

David Saphier, Public Health Officer for Mexico and Dixfield is working to develop a team. He has set an introductory meeting for interested people on October 28th at 6:00pm in the Mexico Recreation Center. Everyone is invited to attend, and refreshments will be served. If you cannot attend, please visit our web site located at OxfordCountyMRC.org.

National MRC Report

2008-10-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

Status: 787 MRCs in 49 states, Washington DC, Puerto Rico, Palau, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands; and 168,996 volunteers (reported by MRC units as part of their profiles on the website).

OCVMRC Accomplishments:
Held the Region VIII and IX MRC Regional Meeting in Ketchikan, AK.
Attended the President’s Remarks on Volunteering at The White House.
Participated in the AHRQ Annual Conference on Public Health Emergency Preparedness Research in Bethesda, MD and in the Department of Interior Leader’s Summit on the Future of Health Care in the Insular Areas (Honolulu, HI).
Presented at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (Bethesda, MD), CDC SNS Training (Atlanta, GA), National Summit on Companion Animal Management in Disasters (Baltimore, MD), and presented and exhibited at the ASTHO-NACCHO Joint Conference (Sacramento, CA).

Local Stories:
In September, MRC units reported 424 activities: 39 administrative, 123 preparedness, 53 public health, 79 response and 130 training.
Multiple MRC units in Regions IV, V, and VI were activated in response to Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, including:
Thirty-eight volunteers with the Plaquemines Parish MRC (Belle Chase, LA) donated 3,040 hours in assisting with nursing home evacuations, developing and maintaining 3 POD centers, and staffing an emergency shelter.
Twenty-two volunteers with the Coryell MRC (Gatesville, Texas) donated 380 hours in supporting special needs patients at 2 local hospitals and also assisted 300 evacuees with special medical needs.
Over 200 volunteers with the Harris County Gateway to Care MRC (Houston, TX) delivered over 3,000 meals to homebound, medically fragile individuals.
100 volunteers with the Northeast Texas MRC (Tyler, Texas) staffed a 100 bed medical special needs shelter.
The Dallas County MRC (Dallas, TX) assisted with sheltering operations and staffed a dialysis shelter at the Dallas Convention Center.
The Miller County MRC (Texarkana, AR) supported a special needs sheltering operation. Approximately 1,440 individuals were assisted and of these 167 underwent medical evaluation, 67 had prescriptions delivered, and 10 were transferred to an inpatient medical team.
The Southwest Alabama MRC (Mobile, AL) was activated by the Alabama Department of Health to staff 8 shelters as well as an evacuation center.
Outlook
MRC staff will present and participate at the MRC Region VI and MRC combined Region VII and VIII Regional Meetings.
MRC staff will present at ASTHO’s Annual DPHP Annual Meeting, present and exhibit at the NAEMT Conference, and exhibit at the AAMA Conference.
MRC staff will conduct Fall 2008 MRC Deployment Training for approximately 20 MRC members. Training will consist of disaster preparedness and response related lectures and hands-on activities facilitated by HHS subject matter experts, and will culminate in a full -scale mass casualty exercise alongside Federal, State and local responders.
Continue preparations for the 2009: Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness, and Response Training Summit (Dallas, TX, April 4-8, 2009).

Oxford County Unit May Expand

2008-10-06T09:06:00.000-07:00

In an effort to work more efficiently with our public health authorities, we are considering expanding our coverage beyond Oxford County to include Franklin and Androscoggin counties. This would match Maine CDC's Western Maine Public Health District (District #3). The move means a change in the structure of the organization to include five additional designated regions within the two counties. Discussion with Maine CDC has been initiated, and the final results will be forthcoming soon.

Tropical System to Impact Maine: Preparedness Underway

2008-09-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

AUGUSTA, MAINE – With hurricane and tropical storm watches posted for portions of the State of Maine, the Maine Emergency Management Agency is urging all Mainers to take appropriate safety and preparedness steps, and is coordinating with county, local and federal authorities to ensure that the State is prepared for the storm.
“The National Weather Service tells us that the major impact of Kyle will be felt late Sunday night into early Monday morning. The effects will likely be worst downeast, in Hancock and Washington Counties although that can change rapidly” MEMA Director Rob McAleer said, “But with rain already here from another system, and winds and rain increasing in advance of Kyle, the time to take action is now.” Tropical systems can bring high winds causing downed trees and other damages, heavy rains, power outages, inland and coastal flooding and road washouts. MEMA is recommending these basic safety precautions for families and businesses. * Pay close attention to current forecasts and warnings. Tropical system forecasts can change quickly * Make preparations to be self-sufficient for 72 hours, if affected by power outages or isolated by flooded roads.
If you have a boat, take the safety precautions as recommended by the harbormaster. More preparedness tips for boat-owners are available at http://www.maineprepares.com
Local authorities in coastal areas are recommending that those on Maine islands with urgent medical needs, including reliance on electricity for medical equipment, relocate to the mainland or to another safe location as soon as possible.
Governor Baldacci and senior members of his Administration participated in a conference call this afternoon with the National Weather Service, US Coast Guard, State Emergency Response Team, public utilities, County and local emergency management officials. The following actions have been taken by the Governor, state, federal and local agencies to prepare for the storm:
Department of Conservation Incident Management Team and mobile command post prepositioned to Washington County
City of Bangor team and mobile command post on standby for Hancock County
County EMAs have fanned out emergency information to all communities, and are working with island communities to identify any individuals with medical needs who may need to be relocated before the storm
Maine DOT, MEMA and coastal counties are coordinating with State Ferry Service regarding any suspension of service to the island communities.
US Coast Guard is evaluating departure and arrival actions for cruise ships and commercial vessels
Potential shelter locations have been determined, and American Red Cross chapters and volunteers are on standby to operate shelters as needed
Power utilities have crews on standby, and have made contingency plans to call in crews from partner utilities if needed.
National Guard teams are prepared to deploy to support county and local officials if needed
Close coordination is ongoing with FEMA Region One.
Contact with the FCC 24 hour communications has been established in case of large-scale communications issues.
“It has been seventeen years since a hurricane or tropical storm had this projected impact in Maine,” McAleer said. “As responders, and as individuals, we need to stay tuned to the latest information, and take appropriate steps to safeguard ourselves and our communities. “
Preparedness information and up-to-date news on the storm can be found at the Maine Prepares website, at http://www.maineprepares.com

PLEASE SUPPORT HURRICANE RELIEF AND RECOVERY

2008-09-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

We all know that the 2008 hurricane season has been extremely active. Seven major storms (named) have impacted the United States this year. In addition, our local United Ways have suffered through the Midwest floods and California wildfires. As you can imagine, donor fatigue has become a major issue for United Way and many other non-profits. Added challenges this year are: a volatile market; a potential trillion dollar government bailout of the financial markets; and an intense and historic presidential election.

Unfortunately, the residents of the Gulf Coast are in need of help right now. Today, millions of residents in Louisiana and Texas are struggling to meet basic needs. Meanwhile, many Americans are not aware of these pressures because most national news is focused on other issues. But we can assure you, the need is real and it is great.

In both states, many of the same communities hit by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike were only beginning to recover from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. This latest set-back has been devastating for hundreds of thousands of people.

The Core Crisis Team and I believe that this is another opportunity for us to Live United. We have listed below a number of ways to help serve suffering communities:

Monetary Donations
Monetary donations can be made to United Way 2008 Hurricane Season Recovery Fund (www.liveunited.org/recoveryfund), the Louisiana Association of United Ways (http://www.launitedway.org/hurricanedonate.html), the United Ways of Texas (http://www.uwtexas.org/donate) or individual disaster-related funds at local United Ways in the affected areas.

Operation Caring Communities
System-wide support for Operation Caring Communities has not been as strong as expected. We hope United Ways that have not been impacted will consider adopting a local United Way in the affected areas to assist on a short or long-term basis. Information about OCC can be found at (http://online.unitedway.org/occ).

In-Kind Donations
In-kind donations are also desperately needed. Listed below are general requests and shipping information for Louisiana and Texas United Ways. As you can see the needs are great – and we appreciate whatever assistance you can manage – small packages from individuals and larger donations, perhaps organized by a coalition of people, are all welcome.

Louisiana

3,000+ Clean Kits
(Buckets, mops, bleach, rubber gloves, hand towels, sponges, heavy-duty trash bags, laundry detergent and various cleaning agents)

3,000+ Personal Care Kits
(Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap, shaving cream, razors, aftershave, combs, and skin care products)

1,000+ Repair Tools
(Shovels, rakes, hammers, saws, nails, drills, extension cords, safety glasses, pump sprayers and heavy-duty ropes)

1,000+ Baby Supplies
(Baby wash and lotion, diapers, diaper rash cream, wipes, and formula)

100 Ladders

2,000+ Work Gloves

2,000+ Masks

10 Generators

20 Wet-dry vacuums

Send items to:

Warehouse: 215 East Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70501
Contact: Sarah Berthelot
Cell: 337.654.5780
Work: 337.706.1221

Warehouse: Emergency Interiors 324 Union Street, Opelousas, LA 70570
Contact: Ray Mitchell
Cell: 337.331.5554

Warehouse: 1717 Tehoupitoulous Street, New Orleans, LA 70130-1818
Contact: Nicole Saulmier-Timmons
Cell: 504.827.6802
Work: 504.957.9774

Texas

5,000+ Clean Kits
(Bucket, mop, bleach, rubber gloves, hand towels, sponges, heavy-duty trash bags, laundry detergent and various cleaning agents)

5,000+ Personal Care Kits
(Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, shampoo, conditioner, soap, baby wash and lotion, diapers, diaper rash cream, baby wipes, shaving cream, razors, aftershave, combs, and skin care products)

2,000+ Repair Tools
(S hovels, rakes, hammers, saws, nails, drills, extension cords, safety glasses, pump sprayers, and heavy-duty ropes)

2,000+ Baby Supplies
(Baby wash and lotion, diapers, diaper rash cream, wipes, and formula)

2,000+ Masks

30 Wet-dry vacuums

2,000+ Work Gloves

1,000+ Packages of Toilet paper and Depends undergarments, and Boxes of Kleenex

Send items to:

Warehouse: 1950 North MLK Drive Orange, TX 77630
Contact: Major John Queener
Cell: 409.883.4232

Warehouse: 3901 IH 10 E Orange, TX 77630
Contact: Janie Johnson
Cell: 409.883.2322

We hope that you will consider helping the affected communities during this time of need. Please feel free to share this information with others who might be in a position to contribute. Help at any level will be deeply appreciated.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact Erin Sammons, Director, Crisis Preparedness, Response and Recovery at erin.sammons@uwa.unitedway.org or by telephone at 703.836.7112 x 391. Thank you.

Nation's Readiness Rates Low

2008-09-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

WASHINGTON, Friday, September 19, 2008 — As the American Red Cross continues to provide services to tens of thousands of people displaced by recent hurricanes, a survey conducted by the Red Cross and the Council for Excellence in Government found the Nation needs to get better prepared. The Readiness Quotient survey conducted for National Preparedness Month found that on a scale of 1 to 10, the nation’s collective level of preparedness, or Readiness Quotient (RQ), decreased from 4.14 in September 2007 to 3.57.
“The recent hurricanes demonstrate the need for all Americans to prepare for emergencies and disasters,” said Gail McGovern, American Red Cross President and CEO. “The American Red Cross wants to help individuals and families get better prepared. During National Preparedness Month, we encourage everyone to take three simple steps to Be Red Cross Ready: Get a Kit, Make a Plan and Be Informed.”
Businesses can play an important role in public preparedness. The survey shows that employees are better prepared if their employer has a plan and has practiced that plan. Respondents whose employer had a plan had an average RQ score of 4.0 while those who either didn’t know if their employer had a plan, or whose employer didn’t have a plan, had an average RQ score of 2.7. Seventy-three percent (73%) of employees report their employer has an emergency plan. Of these, 65% practiced the plan in the last 12 months.
The survey also shows schools and daycare centers play a strong role in public readiness, and parents are better prepared if their children’s schools or daycare centers have a plan and practice it.
The survey also found that other areas need improvement:
Only 36% of respondents have a disaster supplies kit in a designated place
Only 32% have made a communication plan to keep in touch with loved ones in case of emergencies
Only 27% have set a meeting place for family members in case they get separated by a disaster
Only 48% know their local government has an emergency or disaster plan
“Although the nation’s overall Readiness Quotient has declined since last year, the good news is the preparedness efforts of employers and schools are paying off, not only in those locations but also in preparedness at home. Workplaces and schools are key conduits for delivering the message for individuals and families to take action and be prepared,” said Patricia McGinnis, President and CEO of the Council for Excellence in Government. “But this year’s survey results show there are still preparedness gaps we must address. We strongly urge businesses, schools and government leaders to take action by administering the Readiness Quotient test in their communities.” The RQ is a free, easy-to-use, 10 question survey that allows individuals to assess their preparedness for a disaster or emergency and provides links to information and resources to improve scores. People can test their RQ by visiting http://www.whatsyourRQ.org/, and then learn how to Be Red Cross Ready by visiting www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady.
The national survey also found readiness continues to vary by age, education, income and employment status. Higher income respondents and non-Hispanic whites show the biggest declines in preparedness since 2007, while African Americans are the most prepared.
Regionally, the Northeast region had the lowest RQ score (2.65) while the North Central (3.82) and Southern (3.81) regions have the highest. Western respondents (48%) are most likely to have a designated disaster supplies kit at home.
National Preparedness Month is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to raise public awareness about the importance of preparing for all types of emergencies. The American Red Cross, the Council for Excellence in Government and a coalition of more than 2,700 organizations are working with DHS to increase preparedness nationwide this September. The Red Cross urges people to get involved during National Preparedness Month by getting prepared, contacting their local Red Cross chapter, visiting http://www.redcross.org/ to make a personal Pledge to Prepare, and donating blood.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Research findings from a telephone survey of 1,006 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on July 10-13, 2008 conducted by ORC International. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 %t at the 95% confidence level. If you report data from the survey, source it as orginating from American Red Cross/the Council for Excellence in Government, 2008. A full data set can be accessed here.
About the American Red CrossThe American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org/ or join our blog at http://www.redcrosschat.org/.
About the Council for Excellence in GovernmentThe Council for Excellence in Government is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization that works to promote improved government performance, citizen participation in government, and public-private partnerships. Since 2002 the Council has been a leader and catalyst in examining issues of homeland security and emergency management from the citizens’ perspective by: conducting town hall meetings across the country that engaged people in a dialogue with local and national leaders about homeland security in a post 9/11 world, taken the pulse of the nation with provocative polling on a variety of preparedness issues, and regularly convening a forum for major metropolitan emergency managers. For more information, please visit http://www.excelgov.org/.

Update of MRC activity in Region V

2008-09-17T14:59:00.000-07:00

Ohio Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

All MRC Unit Coordinators were notified about EOC activities and put on standby. Assistance is being coordinated through local EMAs.

Clark County activated volunteers to help with damage assessment and tetanus boosters for injuries. The unit also coordinated spoiled food disposal with local food establishments.

Cincinnati / Tristate area MRC volunteers were activated to support local shelter operations.

Delaware County MRC is working with the Red Cross and the Council for Older Adults by providing food to senior citizens.

Knox County is assisting with the staffing of four comfort stations that are operated by the Red Cross and CERT volunteers.

No further activations or reports from other units at this time

Illinois Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

Des Plaines MRC has been activated and they are using nurses to supplement the American Red Cross Shelter set up at Prairie Lakes in Des Plaines. The sheltered flood survivors have been from Des Plaines and Addison, Illinois.

Chicago Medical Reserve Corps has been activated and they have given 190 tetanus shots to first responders as well as 10 civilians in the Albany Park area in Chicago, IL

No further activations or reports from other units at this time

Indiana Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

No activations or reports at this time

Michigan Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

No activations or reports at this time

Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

No activations or reports at this time

Wisconsin Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)

No activations or reports at this time.

All the above information is current as of 3:00 PM CST, 9/17/08

Hurricane Response Update 9/16/08

2008-09-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

We are now facing the aftermath of another major storm. As the disaster is evaluated and response efforts begin, we are reminded of the importance of being prepared.

At this time, there have been no requests for federal deployment of MRC volunteers. States have requested medical assistance from the Federal government and this has been provided by other assets. The Federal government has deployed hundreds of Public Health Service Officers and DMAT personnel to the affected areas at the States’ request. Should these resources not prove sufficient, willing, able and approved MRC volunteers from states far removed from Hurricane’s impact could be deployed to augment these teams. Federal deployment of MRC volunteers would entail close coordination between the Office of Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps, the Regional and State Coordinators.

Below is an updated report of MRC activities related to Hurricane Gustav/T.S. Hanna/ Hurricane Ike. (Note: multiple MRC Units have reported they are on alert.)

Region IV

Kentucky

· The following Kentucky MRC units assisted or are assisting in staffing the Federal Medical Station that is sheltering Gustav evacuees with medical needs:

- Boyle Co. MRC

- Bracken County MRC

- Bullitt Co MRC

- Christian Co MRC

- Gateway MRC

- Green River MRC

- Jessamine Co MRC

- Lincoln County MRC

- Lincoln Trail MRC

- Louisville MRC

- Madison County MRC

- Montgomery County MRC

- North Central MRC

- Northern KY MRC

- Oldham Co MRC

- WEDCO MRC

North Carolina

Several North Carolina MRC units are on standby for potential response to Hurricane Ike.
Region VI

Arkansas

Miller County Medical Reserve Corps in Texarkana, Arkansas was activated and is supporting special needs sheltering operations. Approximately 1440 individuals were processed through the SW Center in Texarkana. Of these, 167 underwent medical evaluation, 67 had prescriptions delivered, and 10 patients were transferred to the inpatient medical team. This unit reported shortfalls in staffing physicians and midlevel providers to all the places they were needed.
Western Arkansas River Valley Medical Reserve Corps assisted in providing care to evacuees at Fort Chaffee. They are currently demobilizing. At last report 800 evacuees are awaiting return to Louisiana.
Arkansas AHEC Northwest Medical Reserve Corps in Fayetteville, Arkansas is assisting in providing care to evacuees at Fort Chaffee.
Craighead County Medical Reserve Corps has been involved in the local effort to help evacuees from Gustav. They have set up a clinic at the local shelter to assist evacuees with their medical needs. To date they have seen a total of 46 people.
Louisiana

Calcasieu Medical Reserve Corps in Lake Charles, Louisiana is assisting sanitarians, and with evacuations. 1,920 persons were evacuated from this area. Nearly 200 of these had critical needs. Hospital patients and those who were bed-ridden were handled through Chennault, Louisiana and air-lifted out.
Northwest Louisiana Medical Reserve Corps in Bossier City, Louisiana is currently responsible for State-run First Aid medical stations and for staffing assistance at the two Red Cross General shelters. The MRC Coordinator for this unit is designated as medical liaison to all shelters and hospitals in the area and stayed in the shelter with evacuees for the entire week. This unit’s activity was profiled by the local television news media.
New Mexico

Albuquerque-University of New Mexico Medical Reserve Corp received evacuees who self-evacuated and are staying with families/friends in the community. The MRC is assisting in finding prescription assistance and health care.
Oklahoma

OKMRC was activated in response to Hurricane Gustav to support medical, public health, mental health and pharmacy operations in the Oklahoma City Lucent Center Evacuee Shelter. They were operational from 08/31/08-09/05/08. 110 OKMRC volunteers participated in this response working 1100 total hours. They have demobilized the Hurricane Gustav response and have began planning for the same type of operation in response to Hurricane Ike, this time offering support to evacuees from Texas.
Texas

Anderson County Medical Reserve Corps is activated and supporting shelter operations in Anderson County.
Harris County Gateway to Care Medical Reserve Corps staffed the 211 United Way Help line to take calls from evacuees needing information and looking for resources in the Greater Houston Area.
Harris County Gateway to Care Medical Reserve Corps has been asked by the Harris County Public Health and Environmental Services to activate their membership to help bring up and staff a Refuge of Last Resort for persons with medical special needs. The location will be near Houston and they expect to use 50 volunteers for set up and then 12 volunteers to stay at the service location to help staff the refuge.
Denton County Medical Reserve Corps activated 90 volunteers to support sheltering operations.
Wood County Medical Reserve Corps in Quitman, Texas assisted the Red Cross with staffing in 2 of their shelters as part of the Point to Point sheltering operations.
Medical Reserve Corps of Gregg County Texas in Longview, Texas was activated and provided guidance and radio operations support for county response and health authorities.
Northeast Texas Medical Reserve Corps in Tyler, Texas had over 50 volunteers staffing a shelter at the University of Texas Tyler Patriot Center.
Rusk County Medical Reserve Corps has been staffing a special needs shelter at a local high school. They have 18 evacuees at last report. Volunteers have assisted in evacuees’ activities of daily living, registration, tracking medications and transportation.
The Greater Amarillo Medical Reserve Corps assisted the City of Amarillo and other organizations with shelter operations for Hurricane Gustav evacuees. They have stood down. In light of the string of storms in the Atlantic, officials have opted to leave the shelter configuration in place at their Civic Center although they do not expect to receive evacuees at this time.

MRC Hurricane Response Update

2008-09-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

As of 12:00 p.m. EDT, September 7, 2008, the following MRC units have reported activity related to Tropical Storm Hanna and Hurricane Ike (Additional updates to Gustav response appear below):

East Central Health District MRC (GA) was activated to assist in staffing a Red Cross shelter for evacuees from Hanna, if needed.

Several North Carolina MRC units are on standby for potential response to Hanna and Ike.

All South Carolina MRC units were on standby for response to Hanna.

Updates on MRC activity in response to Hurricane Gustav (updates since 9/4/08):

The following KY MRC units assisted or are assisting in staffing the Federal Medical Station that is sheltering Gustav evacuees with medical needs:
- North Central MRC
- Madison County MRC
- Boyle Co. MRC
- Green River MRC
- Lincoln County MRC
- Lincoln Trail MRC
- Montgomery County MRC
- Louisville MRC
- Bracken County MRC
- Gateway MRC
- WEDCO MRC
- Northern KY MRC
- Christian Co MRC
- Bullitt Co MRC
- Jessamine Co MRC
- Oldham Co MRC
- Lawrence County MRC

Time to “Think Preparedness” as Tropical System to Brush Maine

2008-09-05T18:52:00.000-07:00

September 5, 2008 3:30 PM
As the remnants of Tropical Storm Hanna brush Maine this weekend, and two more tropical systems are active in the Atlantic, it is a good time for families, businesses and communities to assess emergency preparedness.

The Maine Emergency Management Agency has been in close touch with the National Weather Service for several days, and today conducted a conference call with forecasters and county and state emergency managers and responders.

“According to the National Weather Service, we will receive some heavy rains from Tropical Storm Hanna Saturday night into Sunday, and some localized flooding is possible, especially along the coast“ says Rob McAleer, MEMA Director. “The biggest threat to safety will be the potential urban and street flooding. We urge everyone to pay close attention to weather warnings, and stay away from any flooded roadways, or fast-running streams.”

Even though it appears the effects of Hanna will not be severe in Maine, McAleer says this is a good time for Mainers to think about how well they are prepared to weather a damaging storm. He recommends that all Mainers:
* Stay informed of hazardous weather, especially during this active hurricane season, and what the dangers could be to their homes or businesses * Keep disaster supplies on hand, and be prepared to evacuate if need be * Make sure to take unique medical or other needs of family members into account in emergency planning, * Remember to make arrangements to keep pets and livestock safe. * Heed all warnings from local officials, whether it is advice to evacuate, or barricades placed to block flooded roads.

“Hurricane season isn’t over, “ McAleer said. “There are two more storms lined up in the Atlantic, and it’s been a very active season. It’s the job of each of us to stay aware of severe weather, act responsibly, and keep our families safe during a major storm. “

Information on preparing for all emergencies can be found at Maine Prepares: http://www.maineprepares.com

MRC Response to Gustav

2008-09-02T17:28:00.000-07:00

Miller County Medical Reserve Corps
Texarkana, AR
Activated, supporting special needs sheltering operations
10/13/2005
23 volunteers
UAMS AHEC-SW , County EM

Western Arkansas River Valley Medical Reserve Corps
Fort Smith,AR
Assisting at Fort Chaffee, currently have evacuees
9/7/2005
50 Volunteers
Multiples, UAMS AHEC Fort Smith, Sebastian County Health Dept, Sebastian County Department of Emergency Management

Calcasieu Medical Reserve Corps
Lake Charles,LA
Voluntary parish evacuation, local volunteers are assisting where needed.
7/18/2006
167 Volunteers
Region V Office of Public Health

Northwest Louisiana Medical Reserve Corps
Bossier City,LA
MRC Coordinator designated as medical liaison to all shelters and hospitals in the area. Currently MRC is responsible for medical stations (basically 1st aid and rx assistance) at the CTNs shelters run by DSS/DHH and for staffing assistance at the two Red Cross General shelters. I deployed the Rapid Response Medical Model to the Sam's CTN and set up medical station yesterday. We are currently in the process of setting up the second CTN medical shelter. I was told that Fema and National Red Cross asked for us to run their first aid station. Trying to clarify that request. We have 233 volunteers on the nwlamrc web and 37 and growing on the LAVA (ESAR-VHP) site. Changing our web app to link to LAVA registration form.
9/30/2002
171 Volunteers
Caddo-Bossier Citizen Corps / Caddo-Bossier Office of homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness

Albuquerque-University of New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps,
Albuquerque,NM
The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) are recruiting medical and support volunteers who may be able to deploy out-of-state in response to Hurricane Gustav and/or serve locally should evacuees arrive in New Mexico. AT THIS TIME NO OFFICIAL REQUESTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR DEPLOYMENT
To volunteer, please register online with the NM DOH NMserves (ESAR-VHP) volunteer registry at www.nmserves.org AND with the NM MRC at http://anmmrc.googlepages.com/home
9/30/2003
331 Volunteers
University of New Mexico Center for Disaster Medicine

Oklahoma Region 2 - Osage County MRC
Pawhuska, OK
08-29-08 The OKMRC activated the Rapid Notify system and phoned the MRC Registry with a message regarding visiting the OKMRC website in order to update their personal profiles and specify any interest they may have in potential Hurricane response. At this time 200 people have updated their profiles and we have 13 new applicants
08-29-08 an email though our system also went out with the same message
6/6/2008
26 Volunteers
Osage County Health Department

Oklahoma Region 5 - Okfuskee County MRC
Okemah, OK
08-29-08 The OKMRC activated the Rapid Notify system and phoned the MRC Registry with a message regarding visiting the OKMRC website in order to update their personal profiles and specify any interest they may have in potential Hurricane response. At this time 200 people have updated their profiles and we have 13 new applicants
08-29-08 an email though our system also went out with the same message
8/1/2008
Okfuskee County Health Department

Oklahoma Region 6-Pottawatomie County MRC
Shawnee, OK
08-29-08 The OKMRC activated the Rapid Notify system and phoned the MRC Registry with a message regarding visiting the OKMRC website in order to update their personal profiles and specify any interest they may have in potential Hurricane response. At this time 200 people have updated their profiles and we have 13 new applicants
08-29-08 an email though our system also went out with the same message
8/1/2008

Pottawatomie County Health Department

Oklahoma Region 6 - Cleveland County MRC
Norman, OK
08-29-08 The OKMRC activated the Rapid Notify system and phoned the MRC Registry with a message regarding visiting the OKMRC website in order to update their personal profiles and specify any interest they may have in potential Hurricane response. At this time 200 people have updated their profiles and we have 13 new applicants
08-29-08 an email though our system also went out with the same message
8/1/2005
318 Volunteers
State of Oklahoma, Emergency Medical Services Authority

***Oklahoma Region 8 - Oklahoma County MRC
OKC, OK
The shelter is expected to need staffing for 7-14 days.
MRC Volunteers are requested to assist with Shelter Care at the Oklahoma City Lucent Evacuee Shelter through Thursday. Types of volunteers requested include Nurses, Doctors, PAs, Advanced Practive Nurses, Mental Health Professionals, General Medical Volunteers, Pharmacists, and Public Health Support Staff.
Volunteers are asked to work 4 or 8 hour shifts,
8/1/2005
623 Volunteers
Oklahoma Health Department

OVMA SART MRC
Oklahoma City, OK
Department of Ag have also been involved in planning
On Alert
3/10/2006
40 Volunteers
Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association

Oklahoma Region 7 - Tulsa County MRC
Tulsa, OK
On Alert
9/30/2002
869 Volunteers
Tulsa Health Department

Oklahoma Region 3 - Grady County MRC
Chickasha, OK
On Alert
9/30/2003
867 Volunteers
State of Oklahoma, Emergency Medical Services Authority

Oklahoma Region 3 - Comanche County MRC
Lawton, OK
On Alert
9/30/2003
249 Volunteers
City of Lawton

Oklahoma Region 5 - Pittsburg County MRC
McAlester, OK
On Alert
8/1/2005
180 Volunteers
State of Oklahoma, Emergency Medical Services Authority

Oklahoma Region 1 - Beckham County MRC
Elk City, OK
On Alert
8/1/2005
16 Volunteers
State of Oklahoma, Emergency Medical Services Authority

Oklahoma Region 2 -Pawnee County MRC
Pawnee, OK
On Alert
8/1/2005
10 Volunteers
Pawnee County Health Department

Oklahoma Region 4 - Creek County MRC
Sapulpa, OK
On Alert
8/1/2005
92 Volunteers
Creek County Health Department

Oklahoma MRC Nurses
Oklahoma City, OK
On Alert, assisting Oklahoma County and entire state
9/30/2003
433 Volunteers
Oklahoma Nurses Association

Oklahoma Disaster Relief Medical Reserve Corps
OKC, OK
On standby - mobile unit for feeding, chain saw, mud out, child care
1/10/2006
121 Volunteers
The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma

***Mayes County Medical Reserve Corps
Pryor, OK
Currently managing E Coli outbreak in the county, able to assist if needed
3/22/2005
24 Volunteers
Mayes County Emergency Management

Brazoria County Medical Reserve Corps
Alvin, TX
08/29 Brazoria County Emergency Management requested CC (CERT and MRC) volunteers to assist in calling down the 2-1-1 registration list. Phone bank staffed with 17 volunteers, contacted approx 1000 special needs travelers to verify data. Volunteers on standby if threat changes.
5/11/2006
1199 Volunteers
Brazoria County office of Emergency Management

Big Country Medical Reserve Corps
Sweetwater, TX
On standby
2/16/2008
61 Volunteers
Sweetwater/Nolan County Health Department

Fannin County Medical Reserve Corps
Bonham, TX
On standby, were preparing to shelter but a gas leak was found in facility, awaiting maintenance
9/30/2003
223 Volunteers
Fannin County Commissioners court

West Texas Medical Reserve Corps
El Paso, TX
Activated, scheduling for special needs evacuees at Convention Center
11/9/2006
211 Volunteers
Far West Texas & Southern New Mexico Reginal Advisory Council on Trauma

Wood County Medical Reserve Corps
Quitman, TX
Assisting Red Cross with staffing in 2 of their shelters as part of the Point to Point sheltering operations.
11/20/2007
6 Volunteers
Wood County

Kingsville & Kleberg County Medical Corps
Kingsville, TX
On standby
3/10/2006
9 Volunteers
Kleberg County Office of Emergency Mangement

***Anderson County Medical Reserve Corps
Palestine, TX
Anderson County MRC was activated on Saturday and is supporting shelter operations in Anderson County
11/9/2006
26 Volunteers
Anderson County

Rusk County MRC
Henderson, TX
On standby
8/3/2007
22 Volunteers
Rusk County Citizen Corps

Collin County MRC
McKinney, TX
On standby, 100 volunteers committed
2/24/2006
335 Volunteers
Collin County Homeland Security

Medical Reserve Corps of Gregg County Texas (aka: MRC-GREGG)
Longview, TX
Activated and providing guidance and radio operations support for county response, health authority
9/24/2006
12 Volunteers
Gregg County Health Dept, Longview, TX

Northeast Texas Medical Reserve Corps
Tyler, TX
Staffing shelters
400 volunteers on alert, 50+ utilized
6/20/2006
1094 Volunteers
Northeast Texas Public Health District

Greater Amarillo Medical Reserve Corps
Amarillo, TX
The Greater Amarillo Medical Reserve Corps will be assisting the City of Amarillo and other organizations with shelter operations for Hurricane Gustav evacuees.
Details regarding the extent of medical operations in the shelter have yet to be determined. https://texasvipers.securespsites.com/countysites/gamrc/default.aspx
10/4/2005
173 Volunteers
City of Amarillo Department of Public Health

Harris County Gateway to Care Medical Reserve Corps
Houston, TX
Volunteers on Alert
9/30/2002
2651 Volunteers
Gateway to Care

Denton County Medical Reserve Corp
Denton, TX
Volunteers On Alert for MEDICAL SITE SUPPORT, LICENSED VOLUNTEERS,OFFICE & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
2/25/2005
350 Volunteers
Denton County Health Department

Dallas County Medical Reserve Corps
Dallas, TX
Volunteers On Alert for MEDICAL SITE SUPPORT, LICENSED VOLUNTEERS,OFFICE & ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
9/30/2003
1285 Volunteers
Dallas County Health and Human Services

***Tarrant County Medical Reserve Corps
Fort Worth, TX
Tarrant County -- Activated Physician, Nurses, EMTs
9/30/2003
1125 Volunteers
Tarrant County Public Health

***Pearland Area MRC
Pearland, TX
Pearland Area Citizens Corps CERT and MRC assisted on August 22-23 to call all Pearland registered 2-1-1 for Pearland EOC. Total volunteers used was 6 for 4 hours each = 24 hours

PACC-CERT was activated and stood by from August 29th - Sept 1 when released after county and city EOC's were deactivated. Total on standby was 18 for 96 hours = 1728 manhours
10/12/2006
11 Volunteers
Pearland Area Citizen Corps

***Texas State Guard Medical Brigade (MRC); aka Texas Medical Rangers
Lancaster, TX
The Texas State Guard Medical Brigade (MRC) was called to State Active Duty on 30 August 2008 to support the response to Hurricane Gustav. Of the Brigade, the Headquarters is located and staffed in Austin, Texas at Camp Mabry. The Dallas Fort Worth Medical Response Group, the Tyler Medical Response Group and the Wichita Falls Medical Company have been deployed to Tyler Texas. Elements of other Medical Response Groups have been forward deployed to Bryan/College Station, Lufkin and to other points in the State as tasked. Behavioral Health elements have also been forward deployed.

University Health System and the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District are working closely together. We have Medical Triage teams at the Reception Center doing medical screenings for those evacuees who are arriving. They can either go to a General Population Shelter, a Special Needs Shelter or a hospital based upon their condition.
9/30/2003
450 Volunteers
The Texas State Guard, Texas Military Forces

National Volunteer Week

2008-04-28T06:52:00.001-07:00

Dear MRC Leaders and Volunteers,

In recognition of National Volunteer Week, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for your on-going work in support of the Medical Reserve Corps. Your selfless actions and kind hearts contribute greatly to the well-being of your neighbors and communities.

The attacks of September 11th, 2001, Hurricane Katrina, and other disasters have taught us time and time again that volunteers are a vital and imperative piece to any response. Rather than waiting for disaster to strike, you have already stepped and answered the call to serve your community and the nation. I am so proud to share your stories and promote the MRC to every audience to whom I speak.

At the recent MRC National Leadership and Training Conference, the spirit and energy you brought was inspiring. I was, and continue to be, impressed by the activities you engage in to support the public health, preparedness, and response needs of your communities. As each unit grows stronger and better able to provide support through their initiatives, trainings, and events, a community’s ability to bounce back from disaster increases. The MRC is making a tremendous impact on the resiliency of communities across the country.

What makes this program even more inspiring is that the work is done by those asking for little in return except the chance to give of their time and skills to improve the lives of those around them. Each MRC volunteer deserves my sincere “thank you” for their commitment to volunteerism and charitable nature. You are making amazing contributions toward the strengthening of our nation’s resilience in times of crisis.

Therefore, I wish to extend my deep appreciation for your time, expertise, and generosity in giving of yourself to strengthen the health and preparedness of your community and of the United States.

With sincere thanks,

Steven K. Galson, M.D., M.P.H.RADM, USPHS
Acting United States Surgeon General

Oregon Conference Improves Maine Preparedness

2008-04-18T20:05:00.000-07:00

Oxford County MRC Unit Coordinator Kevin N. Saisi with RADM Steven K. Galson, Acting Surgeon General (Left) and CAPT Robert Tosatto, Director, Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (Right)

Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Unit Coordinator Kevin N. Saisi returned Saturday, April 12th with a suitcase filled with literally reams of information to assist in the development and sustainability of the Oxford County unit. Saisi attended the 2008 Medical Reserve Corps National Leadership and Training Conference in Portland, Oregon. Also attending the conference were Kathy Knight of Northeastern Maine Medical Reserve Corps and Kymara Lonergan, RN of Southern Maine Medical Reserve Corps . The keynote addresses were given by RADM Steven K. Galson, Acting Surgeon General, RADM W. Craig Vanderwagen, Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Richard Hatchett, MD; National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health. The conference brought together government and non-governmental organizations, public health, preparedness/response and volunteer management experts, and other community-based MRC leaders for a 4-day knowledge sharing, leadership, and training conference. The conference agenda reflected an array of topics in public health, preparedness, volunteer management, and other areas of MRC-related interest.

MRC units are community-based and function as a way to locally organize and utilize volunteers who want to donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year. MRC volunteers supplement existing emergency and public health resources. They include medical and public health professionals. Community members can fill key support positions. MRC units are provided specific areas to target that strengthen the public health infrastructure of their communities by the U.S. Surgeon General. The overarching goal is to improve health literacy, and in support of this, he wants the MRCs to work towards increasing disease prevention, eliminating health disparities, and improving public health preparedness

In Maine, the Medical Reserve Corps program is coordinated through Maine CDC with six units in the state. Each unit is self-managed with support and guidance from the state and federal level, including a regional coordinator out of the Public Health Service office in Boston. Oxford County MRC is in the developmental stage with a number of teams being formed throughout the county. Saisi is working with various agencies to develop these teams in preparation for any major emergency that may occur. As the teams are established, volunteers will be sought. All volunteers will undergo screening, training and (when appropriate) credential verification. More information on Oxford County MRC is available at http://www.oxfordcountymrc.org/.

The Office of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC) is headquartered in the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General. It functions as a clearinghouse for information and best practices to help communities establish, implement, and maintain MRC units nationwide. Aside from the annual conference, the OCVMRC sponsors hosts a Web site, and coordinates with local, state, regional, and national organizations and agencies to help communities achieve their local visions for public health and emergency preparedness. Information on the national program can be found at http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/.

Saisi to Represent County Program at National Conference

2008-03-23T11:51:00.000-07:00

The sixth annual Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) National Leadership and Training Conference, hosted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will be held in Portland, OR April 7 – 11. More than 600 MRC leaders from across the country are scheduled to attend the conference, designed to better equip MRC units with the tools they need to effectively start and sustain their unit through partnerships. The four day event will begin with a keynote speach by Acting Surgeon General, RADM Steven Galson.

Rumford Resident Kevin N. Saisi will be representing the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps at the conference. Saisi attended the annual conference in Providence, RI last year, and presented at a regional conference in Portland, ME. Saisi has been recognized on the federal level for his efforts to bring the program to Oxford County. There are currently six MRC units in Central and Southern Maine. Saisi and other Unit Coordinators work under the auspicies of Maine C.D.C. and are supported by a regional coordinator and the Boston office of the U.S. Public Health Service.

MRC units are based locally and direct programs comprised of medical, public health, and other civilian volunteers using their specialized skills and training to provide additional surge capacity and response support in their communities during emergencies. Throughout the year, MRC volunteers offer education and prevention services to improve the public health infrastructure of their neighborhoods and communities. There are approximately 730 MRC units with more than 150,000 volunteers across the nation, strengthening the public health infrastructure in their communities and responding to public health, and natural and man-made disasters. For more information on the Medical Reserve Corps, please visit http://www.medicalreservecorps.gov/.

National Influenza Vaccination Week November 26 - December 2, 2007

2007-10-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced the week after Thanksgiving, November 26 to December 2, as National Influenza Vaccination Week. This event is designed to highlight the importance of continuing influenza (flu) vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine through the months of November, December and beyond. CDC is recommending that people take this opportunity to be vaccinated and is hopeful that flu vaccine providers will use this time to enhance flu vaccine availability by scheduling additional clinics; extending clinic hours; and enabling a larger role for mass vaccination at places such as retail locations.

This year, Tuesday November 27, 2007, is set aside as Children’s Flu Vaccination Day, with a focus on vaccinating high-risk children. Each year, over 20,000 children are hospitalized as a result of influenza. This day will help raise awareness about the value of vaccinating children—especially high-risk children—and their close contacts.

2007-10-29T18:32:00.001-07:00

A Presidential directive released recently promises to improve response to disasters and major health events. "A catastrophic health event, such as a terrorist attack with a weapon of mass destruction (WMD), a naturally-occurring pandemic, or a calamitous meteorological or geological event, could cause tens or hundreds of thousands of casualties or more, weaken our economy, damage public morale and confidence, and threaten our national security. It is therefore critical that we establish a strategic vision that will enable a level of public health and medical preparedness sufficient to address a range of possible disasters.

The United States has made significant progress in public health and medical preparedness since 2001, but we remain vulnerable to events that threaten the health of large populations. The attacks of September 11 and Hurricane Katrina were the most significant recent disasters faced by the United States, yet casualty numbers were small in comparison to the 1995 Kobe earthquake; the 2003 Bam, Iran, earthquake; the 2004 Sumatra tsunami; and what we would expect from a 1918-like influenza pandemic or large-scale WMD attack. Such events could immediately overwhelm our public health and medical systems.

Present public health and medical preparedness plans incorporate the concept of “surging” existing medical and public health capabilities in response to an event that threatens a large number of lives. The assumption that conventional public health and medical systems can function effectively in catastrophic health events has, however, proved to be incorrect in real-world situations. Therefore, it is necessary to transform the national approach to health care in the context of a catastrophic health event in order to enable U.S. public health and medical systems to respond effectively to a broad range of incidents.

It is not possible to prevent all casualties in catastrophic events, but strategic improvements in our Federal, State, and local planning can prepare our Nation to deliver appropriate care to the largest possible number of people, lessen the impact on limited health care resources, and support the continuity of society and government.

The plan addresses needs in a number of areas critical to public health and public preparedness. Currently, the four most critical components of public health and medical preparedness are biosurveillance, countermeasure distribution, mass casualty care, and community resilience. Although those capabilities do not address all public health and medical preparedness requirements, they currently hold the greatest potential for mitigating illness and death and therefore will receive the highest priority in our public health and medical preparedness efforts. Those capabilities constitute the focus and major objectives of this Strategy.

Biosurveillance: The United States must must be sufficiently enabled to identify specific disease incidence and prevalence in heterogeneous populations and environments and must possess sufficient flexibility to tailor analyses to new syndromes and emerging diseases. State and local government health officials, public and private sector health care institutions, and practicing clinicians must be involved in system design, and the overall system must be constructed with the principal objective of establishing or enhancing the capabilities of State and local government entities.

Countermeasure Stockpiling and Distribution: In the context of a catastrophic health event, rapid distribution of medical countermeasures (vaccines, drugs, and therapeutics) to a large population requires significant resources within individual communities..

Mass Casualty Care: The structure and operating principles of our day-to-day public health and medical systems cannot meet the needs created by a catastrophic health event. Collectively, our Nation must develop a disaster medical capability that can immediately re-orient and coordinate existing resources within all sectors to satisfy the needs of the population during a catastrophic health event. Mass casualty care response must be (1) rapid, (2) flexible, (3) scalable, (4) sustainable, (5) exhaustive (drawing upon all national resources), (6) comprehensive (addressing needs from acute to chronic care and including mental health and special needs populations), (7) integrated and coordinated, and (8) appropriate (delivering the correct treatment in the most ethical manner with available capabilities). We must enhance our capability to protect the physical and mental health of survivors; protect responders and health care providers; properly and respectfully dispose of the deceased; ensure continuity of society, economy, and government; and facilitate long-term recovery of affected citizens.

Community Resilience: The above components address the supply side of the preparedness function, ultimately providing enhanced services to our citizens. The demand side is of equal importance. Where local civic leaders, citizens, and families are educated regarding threats and are empowered to mitigate their own risk, where they are practiced in responding to events, where they have social networks to fall back upon, and where they have familiarity with local public health and medical systems, there will be community resilience that will significantly attenuate the requirement for additional assistance. The Federal Government must formulate a comprehensive plan for promoting community public health and medical preparedness to assist State and local authorities in building resilient communities in the face of potential catastrophic health events."

Your local Medical Reserve Corps is working with health agencies to prepare our communities to meet these standards. The Medical Reserve Corps provides volunteers to assist with medical support functions. The program is sponsored by the Office of the Surgeon General and administered on the state level by Maine CDC. The Oxford County unit of the Medical Reserve Corps is housed by First Light Counseling of Mexico, Maine. We are attempting to develop teams at both Oxford County hospitals as well as with each of the ambulance services in the county. We will be pursuing relationships with other agencies to provide assistance to people who have a difficult time coping with disaster situations, and helping people with restoring their lives after an event. As the program develops, we will be seeking volunteers to be a part of the process. Please watch for notices to learn how you can become involved with helping your community.

For more information on the Medical Reserve Corps, visit MedicalReserveCorps.gov.

Local Agency Leads Disaster Planning Effort

2007-09-27T09:59:00.000-07:00

First Light Counseling, a substance abuse agency located in Mexico Maine, has taken the lead in the effort to include volunteers in disaster response. The agency announced today that they will be sponsoring the Oxford County unit of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). This move will provide a "housing agency" for the unit which qualifies it to apply for a grant in the amount of $10,000 which will be used to develop teams throughout Oxford County. These teams will assist hospitals, ambulance services, public health authorities, mental health agencies, and health education agencies in response to major health events and disasters. The unit is one of six in the state, and operates under the authority of Maine CDC (Formally the Maine Dept. of Health). The national Medical Reserve Corps program is coordinated by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General.

For more information on the Oxford County Medical Reserve Corps, please visit www.OxfordCountyMRC.org. Information on the Medical Reserve Corps program is available at www.MedicalReserveCorps.gov.