In This Issue:

Tips

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Announcements

CALENDAR

1/8-1/9 -

Region IV Conference

Jacksonville, FL

LINKS

Medical Reserve Corps

MRC at NACCHO

Integrating Core Competencies Into Training Plans

In April 2007, the MRC Core Competencies Matrix was introduced at the MRC National Conference in Providence, Rhode Island. The Miami-Dade MRC decided to incorporate the Core Competencies into their basic training plan and made it an essential part of the requirements to become an MRC volunteer in June 2007.

The Miami-Dade MRC unit then established a pilot initiative to implement a Core Competencies training plan based completely on the MRC Core Competencies Matrix. The standardized four-hour training was designed and implemented through partnerships with various agencies and fully customized for the MRC.

In 2008, an online/DVD version of the course was developed to make it easier for volunteers to complete the training on their own time. This version of the training program was presented to the MRC Coordinators of Florida and is now in the process of becoming a standard training option for all MRC volunteers in the state. The course complements additional required courses for volunteers, such as ICS-100 and NIMS-700. The unit is also working with MRC- TRAIN to add this course so interested MRC units, regardless of location, can offer this training option to their volunteers. The live course continues to be offered for those volunteers who prefer formal instruction or do not have access to a computer or the internet.

Along with the initial Core Competencies-based training, the Miami-Dade MRC recommends volunteers take a refresher course every two years and requires participation in activities and drills. The unit would also like to offer the Core Competencies as a cross training to partner organizations like Citizen Corps and Citizen Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

Tips

• Universities, government agencies, and other MRC units are great sources for assistance in developing or updating comprehensive training plans. Use your pre-existing connections.

• Using the core competencies matrix as a basis for your training plan increases interoperability not only between your unit’s volunteers, but with other units nationwide by providing standardized criteria.
• The Core Competencies Matrix also helps define a MRC volunteer and their capabilities to the community at large by providing a baseline level of skills that communities can expect volunteers to have.
• Using pre and post-assessment evaluation tools can help you develop and adapt your trainings to more fully meet the needs of your volunteers.
• Offering training courses in multiple formats allows your volunteers to determine what best fits both their schedule and their individual learning needs.
• Basic training courses should be followed up with refresher courses and participation in MRC activities and drills so that volunteers are prepared for an actual deployment.

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships

Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP) is a community-based and community-owned strategic planning process for improving community health. MAPP helps communities prioritize public health issues, identify resources for addressing them, and implement strategies relevant to their unique community contexts. Over 600 communities across the country have utilized the MAPP process to strengthen their local public health system’s ability to address public health issues and improve the health of the community.

The MAPP process builds on the MRC’s mission to improve the health and safety of communities across the country by organizing and utilizing public health, medical, and other volunteers. As a community-driven and community-owned process, MAPP presents an excellent opportunity for MRC units to join other local agencies in efforts to improve community health. In addition, MAPP fulfills MRC’s primary responsibilities of building partnerships, ensuring the sustainability of the local unit, and managing volunteer resources. To find out if there’s a MAPP process currently underway in your community and how your MRC unit can get involved, contact NACCHO MAPP staff.

Announcements

Conference Poster Submission

The 2009 Integrated Medical, Public Health, Preparedness, and Response Training Summit is accepting poster abstract submissions until February 6, 2009. Registration for the conference will open in January.

Trust for America's Health Annual Report

The MRC was included as one of the ten key indicators of state progress in the area of public health emergency preparedness in the Trust for America's Health annual report, "Ready or Not? Protecting the Public's Health from Disease, Disasters, and Bioterrorism."

Notification of Capacity Building Awards

MRC units that applied for a Capacity Building Award should receive notification of their status by December 31, 2008.

Emergency Preparedness Toolkit

The Department of Homeland Security’s Ready campaign has released a “Resolve to be Ready 2009 Toolkit” providing tools and resources for emergency preparedness.