The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national group of local volunteers committed to improving the health, safety, and resiliency of their communities. In honor of National Safety Month this June, MRC units across the country are continuing to honor their mission by holding events dedicated to promoting community safety. National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. This year, National Safety Month highlights the important topics of prescription painkiller abuse, transportation safety, ergonomics, emergency preparedness, and slips, trips, and falls. Unit leaders shared how their volunteers are participating in National Safety Month using the MRC Connect application.
A Newaygo County volunteer teaches a child how to use a fire extinguisher.
The Winnebago County MRC is working with community partners to attend events where they can share preparedness materials, including a men’s breakfast to promote the Yellow Dot Program, a program designed to assist citizens and first responders in the event of an automobile crash or other medical emergency in a car. A yellow dot decal on the driver’s side rear window alerts first responders to check in the glove compartment for information about the patient, including their name, photo, medical conditions, allergies, and medications. This ensures that the patient is correctly identified, that their next of kin can be contacted and any conditions or medications will be considered during treatment.
In Michigan, the Newaygo County MRC is a continually growing presence at Newaygo County Kids Day. The 16th annual event always takes place during National Safety Month and draws families from the surrounding Michigan communities. The MRC’s goal is to teach the community’s children about safety and preparedness. The volunteers entice children to visit the booth with “ice rehab” snow cones. Activities at the at the MRC booth include teaching children how to perform CPR, what to include in a preparedness kit, and how to use a fire extinguisher. The MRC also raffles off first aid kits and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radios.
Other MRC units are participating in events promoting community safety, including the following:
- Colorado’s Collin County MRC is holding a “Bring a Friend” disaster preparedness training where volunteers bring guests so they can share the message of the steps that every household should take to be prepared for emergencies.
- The Brazoria County MRC in Texas is participating in the county’s hurricane expo where they will distribute hurricane preparedness materials.
- The North Dakota MRC is working with first responders to act as victims and patients in their training exercises.
- Several units, including the Contra Costa MRC in Martinez, CA, and the North Shore Cape Ann MRC in Gloucester, MA are holding call down drills within their units to test their unit’s ability to notify volunteers in the event of an emergency.
- Many units are participating in drills to make sure their volunteers have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in their home.
These MRC units use the National Safety Month observance to highlight their goal to improve the safety and preparedness of their communities. While June is a busy month for many MRC units, they will continue holding trainings, partnering with community organizations at events, and responding to emergencies. If your organization is interested in celebrating National Safety Month, visit the National Safety Council’s website for free resources.
