Medical Reserve Corps

The Broome County Health Department received funding in 2002 to establish a community-based, citizen volunteer Medical Reserve Corps Unit to operate in conjunction with the Broome County Office of Emergency Services and other local agencies during a natural or man-made disaster, disease outbreak or other community threat.

MRC Members Have Periodic Training In the event of a public health emergency, Medical Reserve Corps volunteers provide surge capacity for existing emergency services in Broome, Chenango and Tioga Counties. The Unit also provides a core group of trained medical professionals who can be called upon to assist with ongoing public health surveillance activities in Broome County when there is a need for additional support. These functions of the Medical Reserve Corps Unit help strengthen and increase the capacity of our regional public health system to effectively respond to community health concerns as they occur.

The Medical Reserve Corps is now in its sixth year. Active or retired health professionals and others interested in providing support are being recruited as volunteers from our community. Physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, EMT's, social workers, clergy and community volunteers have enrolled in the program and attended orientation sessions.

Training has been provided in Basic and Advanced Life Support, Basic First Aid and Red Cross Disaster Services, Clinic Management and Mass Vaccination. We are currently planning training in Pandemic Flu Response, Sheltering and Mass Clinic operations. Volunteers have also been trained to assist with communicable disease outbreaks, environmental hazards and community education.

MRC Smallpox Vaccination Training MRC volunteers participated in various drills and exercises throughout the year, such as a response to anthrax or pandemic flu and assistance with shelters following a flood. Those interested in volunteering may apply online at this website or call Cindy Sullivan, MRC Coordinator, at 607.778.2866. You will be sent further information and an enrollment form to complete and return to the Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator. Those who enroll will be notified of scheduled orientation meetings and training opportunities.