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Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps of Sarasota County is a local network of volunteers who are recruited and trained to respond to emergencies and/or local public health needs, such as community health screenings.  Volunteers are also recruited to serve in the capacity of medical and non-medical needs within the local Sarasota County Health Department.  Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.

The Medical Reserve Corps is a national program.  The need for trained, supplemental medical and public health personnel to assist with emergency operations was highlighted after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  There are 400 local registered MRC units throughout the United States.  The Medical Reserve Corps of Sarasota County, approved in June, 2005, is one of 22 units in the state of Florida officially registered with the office of the Surgeon General.  The "Medical" in Medical Reserve Corps does not limit MRC units to medical professionals.  Individuals without medical training are also needed to fill essential supporting roles.

MRC Disaster-Response examples:

  • Disaster response in special needs shelters
  • Mass Immunizations (PODS)
  • Health In Motion (Mobile Medical Unit)

MRC Public Health Initiative examples:

  • Community health screenings
  • Local health studies
  • Interpreters in health clinics
  • Medical records
  • Academic internships
  • Numerous other tasks to help the community deal with public health issues

Training is offered to health care professionals.  CEU's are available for some of them.

If you would like additional information or are interested in joining the MRC of Sarasota County as a volunteer, please contact:

Susan Goffard
MRC Disaster-Response Coordinator
941) 861-2988

Susan Calkins
MRC Public Health Initiatives Coordinator
(941) 861-2992

Email the MRC

Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records.  If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity.  Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.