About The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC)
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, many Americans volunteered their skills to assist those in need in their community. Out of this tragedy, the
Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program was established in 2002 as a way of better preparing communities and providing means for relief during emergency situations.
The MRC is a national network of volunteers, organized locally to improve the health and safety of their communities. This network comprises almost 1,000 community-based units and nearly 200,000 volunteers throughout the United States and its territories.
Volunteers include medical and public health professionals as well as community members without healthcare backgrounds. Units help to strengthen public health, improve emergency response capabilities, and build community resiliency. They prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornados, and floods, as well as other circumstances impacting public health, including disease outbreaks.