The mission of Citizen Corps is to harness the power of every individual through education, training, and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues, and disasters of all kinds. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC network comprises 993 community-based units and 207,783 volunteers located throughout the United States and its territories. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as other community members without healthcare backgrounds. MRC units engage these volunteers to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities and build community resiliency. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as wildfires, hurricanes, tornados, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks. They frequently contribute to community health activities that promote healthy habits. Examples of activities that MRC volunteers participate in and support include:
Emergency Preparedness and Response Trainings
Health Screenings
Emergency Sheltering
Obesity Reduction
Responder Rehab
Vaccination Clinics
Disaster Medical Support
Outreach to Underserved Community Members
Disaster Risk Reduction
Heart Health
Medical Facility Surge Capacity
To***co Cessation
First Aid During Large Public Gatherings
Community Event Support
Planning, Logistical, & Administrative Support
Healthy Living
Veterinary Support and Pet Preparedness
Health Education and Promotion
Engaging Youth in Public Health Activities
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department (LAFD) in 1985. CERT is about readiness, people helping people, rescuer safety and doing the greatest good for the greatest number. CERT is a positive and realistic approach to emergency and disaster situations where citizens will be initially on their own and their actions can make a difference. Through training, citizens can manage utilities and put out small fires; treat the three killers by opening airways, controlling bleeding, and treating for shock; provide basic medical aid; search for and rescue victims safely and organize themselves and spontaneous volunteers to be effective. Delaware County Animal Response Team is a non-profit organization in Delaware County, PA, assisting animals in need and educating the public about emergency preparedness.
