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Medical Reserve Corps volunteers during a MASH tent deployment exercise in September.
Welcome to the Oak Park Department of Public Health’s Medical Reserve Corp (MRC) volunteers’ page. This page is intended to provide background information on national and state MRC activities, as well as provide citizens with materials relevant to the local team.
The USA Freedom Corps was created In the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and the subsequent outpouring of volunteer support. That national initiative is made up of several components, including AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps and the Citizens Corps. Citizen Corp volunteers, in particular, work to make sure their families, homes and communities are prepared in the event of terrorism and disasters of all kinds. One specialized component of that effort is the Medical Reserve Corps.
The Medical Reserve Corps consist of active or retired healthcare professionals, individuals with relevant skills and area residents working with local health and government officials, professional emergency responders, non-profit organizations and other service agencies to provide emergency relief. The assistance of these citizen volunteers enhance the community’s ability to respond to large-scale public health emergencies such as biological/chemical terrorism, epidemic disease or other public health issues.
The Oak Park MRC, which is administered by the Oak Park Department of Public Health, recruits professionals from all disciplines, whether practicing, inactive or retired. Among those specialties needed are nurses, physicians, dentists, emergency medical technicians, pharmacists, veterinarians, teachers, medical technicians or aides, psychologists, social workers, clergy, biologists, information technology/administrative staff, construction and many others. All members of the community are encouraged to volunteer for various support functions in a manner appropriate to their skills or training.
Training is available to volunteers. A volunteer's time investment in this community-based emergency response organization can be a minimal two-hour initial training/information session, one-time or annual tabletop exercises or drills and certification classes.
For more information or to volunteer to be a member of the local Medical Reserve Corps, call the Oak Park Department of Public Health’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at 708.358.5488 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health  .
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708.358.5480
health@oak-park.us
Learn how to become a local MRC member
Download a MRC application form
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