Over 600 Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) leaders gathered in Chicago for the MRC National Summit from May 22 to 24. The theme of the conference, “The Power of Community, Collaboration, and Connection: MRC Leading the Way for the Next 20 Years,” provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes of the network’s growth and value during the first 20 years and discover ways to expand our reach in communities to position the network for continued excellence.
Conference attendees represented the expansiveness of the MRC network. Attendees participated from 44 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. A mix of small, medium, and large jurisdictions were represented, as well as MRC units supporting rural, suburban, and urban populations. A range of MRC leaders in terms of experience level were also in attendance with nearly a third having been in their role for less than a year; just over a third for one to three years; and nearly a third for four or more years.
Throughout the conference, attendees learned from and connected with peers, explored topics to support the network, and shared best practices from COVID-19 pandemic response. Attendees used words like energized, re-invigorated, and inspired to describe how they felt coming out of the conference.
“Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the field, the Summit’s inclusive atmosphere encouraged interaction and collaboration among peers from diverse backgrounds and expertise,” said one attendee.
Day one opened with the general session, “Celebration of the MRC and Reflection on the COVID-19 Response,” which included a fireside chat with NACCHO and ASPR leadership. The conversation featured Lori Freeman, CEO, NACCHO; Deputy Director Brian M. Mazanec, Center for Preparedness, HHS, Administration of Strategic Preparedness and Response; and Dustun Ashton, MRC Program Director. The conversation was moderated by Commander Samantha Spindel, Chief of Staff, Office of Preparedness.
“Hearing from and directly interacting with our federal, state, and other local leaders was invaluable and amazing after participating virtually all these years,” said one attendee.
Throughout the first day attendees learned from peers in over 30 learning sessions based on the MRC Factors for Success (FFS). A Lunch & Learn session explored the critical and overlooked concepts of Spontaneous Responders in the Disaster Gap: the smallest (biggest) interval you’ve never heard of and steps to creating an MRC team to address mental health needs after a critical incident.
Day two opened with a high-level overview of current and future partnership opportunities between the American Red Cross and Medical Reserve Corps units and volunteers. Attendees then joined over 25 special learning sessions and workshops on a range of topics. MRC State Coordinators also gathered to share best practices and examine opportunities to strengthen the MRC network.
“It was a wonderful opportunity to learn and share knowledge, tools, and experience with other MRC units,” said one attendee.
During a special luncheon, MRC Program Director Dustun Ashton presented the 2024 MRC Recognition Awards in 12 categories, recognizing and highlighting the amazing contributions of MRC units, volunteers, leaders, and partners over the last year. Click here to see a listing of awardees. Click here to watch a recording of the award ceremony.
The second day of the conference concluded with leaders exploring posters and resource tables and networking with peers.
“It was really great to be able to network with people that do the same work as you do throughout the country,” said one attendee. “It was a great opportunity to learn what things other MRC units are doing, what they are struggling with, and learn best practices to how to improve the work that we do with the MRC.”
The final day of the conference opened with a discussion on the need for a shift from crisis-driven care to one that adds evidence-based prevention and early intervention. Leaders then joined with peers in their regions to connect and share best practices.
“It’s a truly humbling experience to be surrounded by other individuals who are all working to help support and strengthen communities,” said one attendee. “I feel surrounded by friends and colleagues rather than a room full of strangers from across the country.”
Click here to see photos from the conference.
The MRC National Summit was made available through NACCHO’s cooperative agreement with the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response and the Medical Reserve Corps.
