County Public Health offers orientation for Medical Reserve Corps
The Medical Reserve Corps program mobilizes and coordinates volunteers to help during public health emergencies, and additional volunteers may be needed this fall to assist Public Health staff respond to the H1N1 flu pandemic.
The Dakota County Public Health Department invites interested residents to attend an Orientation session for the Medical Reserve Corps, scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11, noon-1 p.m.; Tuesday, Sept. 15, from 6-7 p.m.; and Thursday, Sept. 17, from 7-8 a.m. All sessions will be held at the Dakota County Western Service Center, 14955 Galaxie Ave., Apple Valley.
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers include those with healthcare credentials, and volunteers with a variety of skills who can help with computer entry, childcare, assisting clients or moving equipment. The Medical Reserve Corps of Dakota County has more than 385 volunteers, who are both serving in careers and retired.
The Medical Reserve Corps was created after Sept. 11, 2001 to train people to help during a time of crisis. Volunteers assist local public health staff during emergencies. Residents of other counties can contact their health department for a group in their county.
The Medical Reserve Corps offers volunteers optional quarterly training on topics such as infectious diseases, mass dispensing of medications, psychological first aid and the national incident management system for disaster management. The program provides eligible volunteers with continuing education credits. Learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps; visit www.dakotacounty.us and search MRC or call 651-554-6158 to register.
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