Medical Reserve Corps

09/08/2026

Over the past year, Medical Reserve Corps volunteers practiced what it means to serve. They responded when communities faced emergencies, helped neighbors build lifesaving skills, supported public health efforts, and showed up for community events. Every response, training, health screening, and act of service makes a difference.

To every MRC volunteer: thank you for your time, your skills and your commitment to your community. We are grateful for all you do. aspr.gov/MRC

08/19/2026

Many MRC units have already shown what’s possible when trusted local partners come together to address substance use disorder. We’re excited to build new partnerships at the Coordinated Overdose Response to Treatment Convening and expand the role MRC can play in strengthening community responses to opioid use disorder.

08/19/2026

During the 2023 Maui wildfires, approximately 1,400 volunteers from Maui County Health Volunteers, the Kauai Medical Reserve Corps, and the Oahu MRC supported response and recovery efforts, contributing more than 2,245 volunteer hours, an estimated $107,646 in volunteer service.

MRC volunteers provided medical care, behavioral health support, psychological first aid, patient assessments, outreach, and care coordination. They also distributed personal protective equipment, shared health and safety information, supported shelters and health centers, and assisted individuals and families navigating unimaginable loss.

As Dr. Bridget Velasco of the Hawaiʻi Department of Health reflected, the response was "truly a community effort,” one that showcased the adaptability, compassion, and dedication of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.

Thank you to every volunteer who answered the call to serve.

08/17/2026

Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers continue to make a difference for communities impacted by the Washington wildfires.

Volunteers from the MRC of Spokane County and the MRC of North Idaho have been supporting evacuees at the American Red Cross-managed shelter at the Spokane Convention Center, helping residents with daily living needs and providing basic health support during a challenging time.

The MRC of North Idaho activated personnel including physicians, registered nurses, and non-medical volunteers. The MRC of Spokane County deployed registered nurses and non-medical volunteers.

From providing wound care, lift assists, daily living needs, and assistance with pets to offering a reassuring presence, MRC volunteers are helping communities recover, one person, one family, and one act of service at a time.

Thank you to every volunteer answering the call to serve and standing alongside Washington communities during this response.

07/21/2026

In 2025, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers continued to support opioid public health emergency response efforts across communities in the United States.

Over 170 MRC units in 37 states and territories carried out more than 670 activities focused on overdose prevention training, naloxone distribution, youth outreach, community education, and more. More than 2,600 volunteers contributed over 7,100 hours to support response efforts, representing more than $280,000 in donated service value.

Thanks to all the MRC volunteers who are helping communities nationwide address the opioid crisis. https://www.aspr.gov/readiness-response/healthcare-readiness/healthcare-readiness-action/meet-our-mrc-network/mrc-response-opioid-public-health-emergency

05/01/2026

Every day, MRC volunteers partner with public health and emergency response organizations to ensure communities are ready before a disaster and supported when one occurs. From CPR and emergency training to real-world response, MRC volunteers play a vital role in strengthening community preparedness and resilience across the country.

In 2025 alone, nearly 300,000 hours of volunteer service helped expand response capacity, improve coordination, and deliver critical support where it was needed most. Whether training residents in lifesaving skills, supporting large-scale events, or responding to public health challenges like the opioid crisis, MRC volunteers are making a measurable difference.

To all of our volunteers: thank you for your service and your commitment to keeping communities safe and prepared.

In the latest edition of the ASPR Blog, HHS Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, John Knox highlights how MRC’s dedication continues to strengthen our nation’s preparedness and response capabilities. https://aspr.hhs.gov/ASPRBlog/Pages/BlogDetailView.aspx?ItemID=510

04/23/2026

Supporting State and local resilience, last night, 17 volunteers graduated from Caroline County MRC’s first Citizen Preparedness Training. This training supports community preparedness and ensures personnel have the tools to support future local emergency response operations.

Volunteers are now equipped with deployment readiness training and essential emergency response skills, including CPR/AED, Narcan administration, fire safety, search and rescue, psychological first aid, de-escalation, and effective emergency communication strategies. Learn more about how the Medical Reserve Corps strengthens communities:
https://aspr.hhs.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Responds-MRC-22Apr2026.aspx

04/17/2026

How did Caroline County’s MRC unit double in size in just a few short weeks? By launching a training program that focused on community identified needs and inviting community members to join the training.

🔑 Start with partnerships
Maryland Responds worked across the health department, emergency management, EMS, law enforcement, and even the National Weather Service to build a program that serves the whole community.

🎯 Let community needs shape the training, The curriculum focused on what people asked for most:
✔️ CPR, AED, and Stop the Bleed
✔️ Narcan administration
✔️ Disaster response and sheltering
✔️ Situational awareness and de-escalation

🏘️ Design for your community
In a rural county without a local hospital, this program prioritized helping residents care for themselves, their families, and neighbors until help arrives.

🤝 Build relationships before disasters happen
This training created space for partners to connect during “steady state.” When emergencies happen, teams already know each other and how to work together.

💡Make it practical
Participants didn’t just learn; they built their own go-bags over time, reinforcing real-world readiness with each session.

📈 The result?
The unit doubled its size and strengthened its entire preparedness network proving that outreach, education, and collaboration go hand in hand.

This program was made possible through MRC-STTRONG funding, combined with strong local partnerships and volunteer commitment; demonstrating how federal support empowers local innovation.

We’ll continue sharing more from this training series, including specific sessions and tools you can adapt for your own community.

03/13/2026

Our MRC volunteers are showing up for those who served, even after a massive snowstorm! Each month, the Upper Merrimack Valley unit supports local veterans by administering free health screenings, including hypertension checks. This January, volunteers braved winter roads in the aftermath of a massive snowstorm to ensure local veterans received care.

According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, veterans are at a higher risk for developing hypertension. Ensuring they have a consistent opportunity to manage their health means they can prevent further issues down the road, strengthening care for veterans and putting them first. Many of the MRC volunteers who support the event each month are regulars, which has led to strong bonds being created between the volunteers and veterans. Learn more about the program’s impact on local veterans and their health. aspr.hhs.gov/Stories.

12/16/2025

The RI Medical Reserve Corps reminded us all what compassionate emergency response looks like.

Following the Brown University shooting, more than 30 RI MRC provided overnight behavioral health support to survivors and the campus community as well as incident support. RI MRC not only brought professional expertise, but genuine care and compassion to those experiencing trauma.

RI MRC volunteers: Your dedication to your community, your empathy for those suffering, and your willingness to give your time and energy during this crisis is the heart of what makes the MRC so vital. You made a real difference in people's lives when they needed it most.

Thank you for your service and for your compassion. The entire MRC family is proud of you.

The RI Behavioral Health Medical Reserve Corps’ Trauma Response Team (TRT) was rapidly deployed in response to the Active Assailant incident at Brown University, providing critical behavioral health and incident support throughout the overnight response.

In coordination with Brown University, Providence Emergency Management Agency, RI EMA, the RI Department of Health, and the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), TRT supported the establishment and operation of a Reunification Center on the Brown campus. Team members delivered behavioral health support to students and staff while also serving as subject matter experts to incident leadership during a complex, evolving incident.

The RI Behavioral Health MRC is designed to integrate behavioral health capabilities directly into emergency operations, helping to stabilize individuals, reduce acute stress responses, and support communities in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events.

At the same time, members of the RI Medical Reserve Corps provided incident management assistance, logistical support, operational support, and liaison functions. More than 30 MRC members deployed, many with little notice, demonstrating exceptional readiness and professionalism.

Operations were sustained from 4:30 PM Saturday afternoon through 5:30 AM Sunday morning, underscoring the commitment of volunteers and partners working continuously to support the Brown University community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all responders and partners involved. Our thoughts remain with the students, staff, and families affected as recovery continues.

Brooke Lawrence
Executive Director
rimrc.link/BLawrence

Medical Reserve Corps
Brown University
RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals
Providence, RI Emergency Management Agency - PEMA
Rhode Island Department of Health
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
Governor Dan McKee