For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Arlington Health Department Seeks Medical Reserve Corps Volunteers

ARLINGTON — The Arlington Health Department is currently recruiting volunteers for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).

The MRC is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. 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, tornadoes, blizzards, and floods, as well as other emergencies affecting public health, such as disease outbreaks, vaccination clinics, and shelter operations.

Arlington is part of the Massachusetts Region 4B MRC unit, along with 17 other communities surrounding Boston. The regional model enables volunteers to serve in their community or others within the region.

“MRC volunteers play a vital role in our community. Their dedication and support enhance our ability to plan for and respond to emergency situations,” Health Director Natasha Waden said. “With recent events such as the gas explosions in Lawrence and Andover, we realize now more than ever before, just how important it is to have a local group of trained volunteers ready to respond in the event of an emergency.”

MRC volunteers have the opportunity to attend free emergency preparedness trainings, including First Aid/CPR, Stop the Bleed and Psychological First Aid.  Additionally, many training courses offer continuing education credits for health professionals.

Please join us on Thursday, Jan. 31 from 6-7 p.m. at the Arlington Senior Center, 27 Maple St., to learn more about volunteering and registering with the MRC.  If you are unable to attend but interested in volunteering with the MRC, please visit MAResponds.org and register under Region4b.

For more information, please contact Domenic Gentile at region4bmrc@town.arlington.ma.us or 781-316-3170.

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