In This Issue:

Tips

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Announcements

CALENDAR

11/06 - Lessons Learned from the Field of Emergency Preparedness (AHRQ Webcast)

11/13-11/14 -

Region II & III Conference

Atlantic City, NJ

11/15-11/20 -

IAEM Annual Conference

Kansas City, KS

11/20-11/21 -

Region I Conference

New Castle, NH

LINKS

Medical Reserve Corps

MRC at NACCHO

Deploying Outside of Your Local Jurisdiction

While the primary focus of MRC units is to function as a community-based way to organize and utilize local volunteers for emergency response and to promote healthy living in their immediate jurisdiction, sometimes units may have the opportunity to deploy to outside areas as additional resources.

Luke Esquibel, Unit Coordinator, says “deploying out requires addressing issues of transportation, lodging, and personal affairs that may not be applicable in local responses.  Practice makes perfect. Units should exercise as much as possible and develop partnerships with other agencies.” If deployed within New Mexico, the unit contacts the closest MRC unit or volunteer and requests that they handle logistics such as acquisition of resources, lodging, and a staging area.

The Albuquerque (NM) MRC unit has deployed outside of their jurisdiction several times- for Hurricane Katrina, as well as various locations within the state for fires, floods, and a measles scare.  Before deployment, the unit had conducted multiple training exercises with other VOAD partners, the Red Cross, and the local EMS.

Missouri units, such as the Texas County (MO) MRC who responded to flooding throughout the state this past spring also discussed the importance of building partnerships and deploying with adequate resources.  Terry Bruno, MRC Unit Coordinator, says “Our unit had not specifically trained for response to floods, and deploying outside of our region in an area where we did not have pre-existing relationships with other agencies was more difficult.  However, the community and other response agencies responded quickly with help and donations.  For future responses, we will always fully deploy with not only medical but support personnel and adequate supplies.”

Tips

• Training is invaluable. Take it seriously and do it as early and often as possible.
• Remember to make plans for yourself and your family first. Knowing your loved ones are safe while you are deployed is vital.
• Having pre-established partnerships with various agencies makes deployment much easier.
• Know what resources are available in the location you are deploying to, as well as what you will need to bring with you.
• Be sure to maintain clear communication between both your personnel and the site director of your deployment location.
• Follow the Incident Command Structure (ICS) to maintain a clear chain of command.

MRC/NACCHO Connections

Strategic National Stockpile

NACCHO's Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) project's overarching goal is to advance the capacity of local health departments, state health departments, and tribal nations to more effectively protect their communities in the event of a public health emergency requiring activation of the SNS.   This is accomplished by gathering information on the strengths and challenges of implementing the SNS program, providing SNS related technical assistance and guidance, and coordinating SNS focused workshops for SNS planners and their planning partners.

In order to create an effective plan, a majority of SNS planners must incorporate volunteers into their plan.  As a result, NACCHO has numerous resources available which can benefit an MRC coordinator.  STOCKbox, NACCHO's online source for SNS-related tools and resources, contains many tools which focus on incorporating MRC volunteers into an SNS plan.  NACCHO's SNS website contains links to presentations on promising practices of incorporating MRC volunteers into SNS plans from NACCHO coordinated SNS workshops.  MRC coordinators can also find resources on the website to educate and encourage SNS planners to utilize MRC volunteers in their planning.    

Announcements

Mass Dispensing Sites: A Primer for Volunteers

This training is designed to provide an overview of the general operations of mass dispensing sites and serves as an orientation for individuals who may be asked to work in those sites during an emergency. It is intended to complement “just in time” training provided on site at the time of deployment.

Physical Activity Guidelines

The 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans were released by the Department of Health and Human Services earlier this month. Available materials and a location to sign up as a supporter are located online.

Deployment Exercise

Approximately 20 MRC volunteers will get an opportunity to participate in the Fall 2008 MRC Deployment Training being held in Bethesda, MD in late October. This training will consist of disaster preparedness and response lectures, hands-on activities, and a full-scale mass casuality exercise.

Veterinary Workgroup Needs Members

The MRC Veterinary Workgroup is looking for new members. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact Melissa Watt, Region V Coordinator.