What is the MRC?

Following the terrorist attacks on September 11, many medical and healthcare professionals wanted to volunteer to help. However, there was no system in place to efficiently identify them, check credentials and training, and assign them to the "right place at the right time."

Rescue team at work.Anthrax attacks on the east coast made even more evident the need to identify and organize health professionals to help with mass drug distribution and immunization efforts for thousands of people.

Under the umbrella of the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General and the White House's USA Freedom Corps, the Medical Reserve Corps was created in 2002.

The MRC program's main objective is establishing a system to identify, train, and organize medical and public health professionals, as well as lay volunteers to supplement and support on-going emergency response systems and personnel.

The OKMRC is Oklahoma's only medical and public health volunteer program.  OSDH directs the OKMRC program, and contracts with EMSA to maintain the ESAR-VHP compliant electronic registry.  The OKMRC is a statewide system comprised of specialty teams, and county units operating under the authority of local county health departments.  Unit coordinators collaborate with the OKMRC program office to ensure program consistency, operational continuity and develop a network of support.  (See Appendix 1, OKMRC Program Organizational Chart.)

All MRC organizations share the common goals of:

  • Creating teams of volunteer medical, public health, and lay professionals to help during emergencies and disasters.
  • Offering education and prevention to improve the public health of neighborhoods and communities.

The OKMRC does not typically deploy medical equipment, supplies or pharmaceuticals.  Organizations requesting assistance from the OKMRC must provide the supplies necessary for volunteers to effectively and safely accomplish their duties.