Get healthy Carson City: What is Carson City's Medical Reserve Corps?

Q: Carson City has a volunteer Medical Reserve Corps - What does it do?

A: The Carson City Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is the local group of a national program formed after 9/11. Local MRC leaders organize volunteers who donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and promote healthy living throughout the year.

MRC volunteers supplement public health resources, making communities more resilient if and when disaster strikes. Preparedness is their primary focus. Volunteers train, prepare and practice throughout the year and during times of community need.

A good example of a Carson City MRC preparedness activity is the Health Department's annual community-wide flu immunization clinic in October. The MRC assists with registration, distribution of supplies, traffic control and food service. Medical-related activities include patient support, medication distribution and vaccination. The MRC and staff get real-life experience in delivering a lot of medicine to a lot of people in a short period of time. In the event of a disaster, knowing how to respond will save lives.

Carson City has hundreds of generous people who volunteer their time and talent for good causes. Many already belong to the MRC and feel great knowing they are preparing the community in the event of a crisis. Approximately 75 percent of MRC members are not medical professionals.

If you would like to know more about the Medical Reserve Corps, please visit www.medicalreservecorps.gov or go to www.mrcnevada

.com to join.

It's all about Public Health.

Send questions for Get Healthy Carson City to Pam Graber, public information officer, Carson City Health and Human Services, pgraber@ci.carson-city.nv.us

Carson City Health Department Clinic

Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Wednesday and Friday, by appointment

CALL: 887-2195

Thursday is Immunization Day

HOURS: 8:30-11:30 a.m.; 1-4:30 p.m. No appointment needed.

CALL: 889-2190