to help her community and joined the MRC because of a friend's recommendation. ... The MRC-TRAIN Support Desk ... emerge
Volume 7, Issue 4
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FALL 2013
www.medicalreservecorps.gov
Colorado MRC Units Respond to Unprecedented Flooding In September, unprecedented flooding ravaged the state of Colorado, killing eight people and destroying 1,900 homes across nearly 2,000 square miles. More than 20 counties were impacted, causing $475 million in infrastructure damage. Fortunately, four MRC units—MRC of Southwest Colorado (MRC SWC), MRC of Boulder County (MRCBC), Colorado Veterinary MRC-East (COVMRC-East), and Colorado Veterinary MRC-West (COVMRC-West)— responded to aid their communities in a variety of ways. Three volunteers from MRC SWC worked in the Durango Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the La Plata County EOC while local officials responded to 1012 ft. mud and rock slides. Thirty MRCBC members donated more than 275 hours from the opening of shelters on Sept. 12 through the last shelter closing on Sept. 22. These volunteers provided basic medical care and psychological first aid to evacuees; set up shelters; prepared food; collected prescriptions for evacuees; and distributed information about environmental health and immunization recommendations. MRC volunteer acupuncturists also served more than 1,000 clients at a variety of locations. The two Colorado MRC veterinary units assisted with animal evacuations during the flooding. The COVMRC-East deployed 15 volunteers, including veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and veterinary students, to assist the Colorado National Guard once they began airlifting evacuees and more than 800 pets out of the flood zone. The COVMRCEast unit offered triage assessment and veterinary medical care for any injured animals coming off the airlift flights. Two volunteers with COVMRC-West assisted with the sheltering of approximately 250 small animal
evacuees. Volunteers cleaned cages, arranged transport, sorted donations, and supplied needed items for pets to evacuees. Several MRC units will be involved with the ongoing recovery process to provide psychological first aid and to assess pet owner’s needs.
Caring for a rescued dog [Credit: PetAid Colorado]
The unprecedented rainfall also caused flooding and damage to 25 of New Mexico’s 33 counties, American Indian tribal areas, and areas of the Navajo Nation. Fifteen New Mexico MRC Serves volunteers donated 152 volunteer hours during the week-anda-half response. Within five hours of the request, these volunteers assisted the American Red Cross by providing medical aid in evacuee shelters and conducting door-to-door housing assessments.
THIS ISSUE: Minnesota HOSA MRC Starts the Healing Process with Children’s Camp .............................................................................................3 MRC Units Mark National Preparedness Month........................................4 Peninsula MRC Moves Children in to Health...............................................5 Central District Health Department MRC Raises Awareness about Immunizations.....................................................................6 New York City MRC Provides Emergency Vaccinations.........................7 Rescuing animals [Credit: American Humane Association]
National Notes Dear Colleagues, As I reflect on this past year, I can’t help but think about the challenges that our office has faced: from the sequestration, budget concerns, and changes prompted by the Pandemic and All Hazards Preparedness Act reauthorization, to travel and conference restrictions, and the government shutdown. I know that most of you have also faced challenges at the local and state levels dealing with issues such as leadership turnover, budget cuts, and organizational restructuring while trying to support your MRC unit’s mission. Yet, even in the face of uncertainty, we still manage to persevere. I believe this is characteristic, and perhaps even the very spirit, of the MRC network. We are consistently able to embrace uncertainty and turn our challenges into opportunities. The Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps took these challenges as motivation to revisit our mission, strategic
plan, and standard operating procedures. Some former priorities will be dropped, and new, exciting, and achievable ones will be developed and implemented. I encourage you to also use this opportunity to develop or update your own strategic plans, refocus your priorities, and establish new partnerships. With a positive attitude and clear direction, we will prevail over our challenges. I would like to congratulate all members of the MRC network—volunteers, leaders, and stakeholders—on your efforts to remain strong in the face of uncertainty. This demonstrates the resourceful and robust nature of the MRC network, and clearly shows that MRC units are an example of what it means to be resilient. As a result of your actions, almost a thousand jurisdictions around the nation are also more resilient. Warmest regards,
CAPT Rob Tosatto Director Division of the Civilian Volunteer Medical Reserve Corps
Volunteer Spotlight Patti Motl is a pediatric nurse at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center in Omaha and has been a member of the Eastern Nebraska/Western Iowa MRC since July 2009. After Hurricane Katrina, Patti was looking for a way to help her community and joined the MRC because of a friend’s recommendation. Since she joined, Patti has contributed over 180 hours assisting at disaster preparedness drills and community health activities in the Omaha area. Patti says that she has had many memorable moments with the MRC and “there has not been an event that I did not enjoy, and the people that we help during the events were always great to work with.” Over the last four years, Patti has staffed H1N1 vaccination clinics, vaccinated Omaha police and firefighters for tetanus during the 2011 floods, assisted at health fairs, and provided first aid at numerous community events. Patti has completed all required MRC courses and has done additional National Incident Management Service coursework. Patti is always willing to assist where needed, whether it is serving as an MRC field leader or
helping clean up after an activity. She is currently undertaking a new initiative by contributing her skills to a weekly free clinic for the uninsured. Patti’s service was recognized in September when she was awarded the “Citizen Corps Volunteer of the Year” award as part of the Nebraska Lieutenant Governor’s “Be Prepared” Awards.
Patti Motl
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Minnesota HOSA MRC Starts the Healing Process with Children’s Camp June 2012 was a devastating month for Northeast Minnesota after record amounts of rains caused destruction to roads, homes, and businesses. While the physical destruction was apparent, many residents harbored pain A HOSA/MRC student member trains and fear of future a child in CPR disasters. To relieve some of those fears and to encourage future emergency preparedness, the Minnesota HOSA MRC, with assistance from the Minnesota Department of Health – Public Health Emergency Preparedness, reached out to the children impacted by last year’s flooding. On August 26, 15 HOSA/MRC student members and four HOSA advisors conducted the “Triple ‘R’ Disaster CampRelief, Restore, Rebuild,” a hands-on camp to promote recovery and preparedness. The day camp helped youth to understand what a disaster is, how to prepare, how to recover, and how to help others, as well as to learn about community agencies that prepare for and respond to disasters. The camp started with a presentation by a local TV weatherman who discussed weather-related emergencies and when they alert the public. Campers then had a discussion about their feelings about the floods, followed
by a psychological first aid presentation by the HOSA/MRC student members. Throughout the day, they also showed children how to put together a disaster kit using supplies and a curriculum provided by the Minnesota Department of Health; introduced CPR and first aid; and led a team building activity to create an emergency shelter with a tarp and other materials. Speakers from a local fire department, the Emergency Management Center, and Public Health also presented their roles in disaster preparedness and response. The day ended with a mini-drill involving a tornado. Children left the camp with a disaster kit, certificates of participation, and peace of mind. As one father of a camper remarked, “My son had a great time at the Triple R Disaster Training. He came home excited, telling us all about what he learned and showing us the items in his kit.” The day was also rewarding for the camp leaders, who are already looking forward to hosting a spring event. Children and a HOSA/MRC student member participate in the tornado exercise
Competency-Based Training on MRC-TRAIN MRC-TRAIN (www.mrc.train.org), the learning management system provided by the DCVMRC to all MRC unit leaders and volunteers, can aid in the development of a prepared and competent unit. Both the MRC Core Competencies and the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals are integrated into MRC-TRAIN. Having these assigned competencies eases evaluation, reporting, and identification of competency-based training that volunteers must complete. MRC units can take advantage of competency-based trainings and also post their own trainings, including unit orientations and classroom workshops. These trainings can be combined by using the Training Plan feature in MRC-
TRAIN, which can be directly assigned to volunteers. Unit leaders can use the Training Plan to gauge volunteer training and preparedness, identify any gaps, and provide a report to their housing organization. Through these features, MRC-TRAIN can help units be ready to respond when activated. Additional information on MRC-TRAIN is available on the MRC website (https://medicalreservecorps.gov/ searchFldr/TRAINResources) and MRC-TRAIN (www.mrc.train.org). The MRC-TRAIN Support Desk (
[email protected]) is available to provide assistance and field questions, including how to create a training plan. Remember, MRC-TRAIN is FREE (including many CEUs), available 24/7, and on track!
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MRC Units Mark National Preparedness Month September 2013 marked the tenth annual National Preparedness Month, and the theme was “You Can Be the Hero.” Many MRC units engaged their communities with preparedness activities and outreach campaigns. A snapshot of some units’ activities follows: n
Salt Lake County MRC (UT) raised awareness about emergency preparedness and recruited new members at the Utah State Fair from Sept. 5 – 9. On Sept. 28, the Salt Lake County MRC joined Central Utah Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) for their annual exercise and training drill. Volunteers learned how to provide medical treatment to victims of a building collapse and bus crash.
Satilla MRC texting and driving accident scenario
Salt Lake County MRC exercise with CERT n
Franklin County and Columbus MRC (OH) hosted the Westerville Kids and Cops Day on Sept. 8, where volunteers passed out hundreds of preparedness materials, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s activity book, to children and families. On Sept. 11, 18 MRC volunteers participated in a POD Volunteer Reception Center (VRC) exercise to practice going through a VRC and getting a POD assignment.
Franklin County and Columbus MRC volunteers at the VRC exercise
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n Adams County MRC (IL) Coordinator Triena Dietrich spoke on a local radio station on Sept. 9. She discussed Preparedness Month, how to construct a disaster plan, and prepare your family for an emergency. n University of Texas at Austin MRC (UTMRC) hosted a mock tornado drill on Sept. 26. More than 200 students, faculty, and staff participated in the drill. Many students remarked that after the drill, they felt more comfortable responding to a disaster. The event was also a great recruitment tool: each participant received information about signing up with the UTMRC. n Black Belt MRC (AL), in conjunction with the Tuskegee Area Health Education Center, held the first emergency preparedness fair in Tuskegee on Sept. 27. n Satilla MRC (GA) and the Ware County CERT simulated a texting and driving accident scenario on Sept. 28 at a local mall. The volunteers also took the opportunity to set up a tent inside the mall with information about the emergency alert system, 72-hour preparedness kits, and weather-related information. n Wachusett MRC (MA) co-hosted the Quabbin Girl Scout Emergency Preparedness event on Sept. 28, where they taught local Girl Scouts first aid and gave them the opportunity to create a first aid kit.
Peninsula MRC Moves Children in to Health In July, Peninsula MRC (VA) piloted the “Healthy Me! Move In To Health” program to teach healthy habits to children in an income-based community. Throughout the program, students participated in a variety of activities, including agritourism (farm tours, fruit and vegetable picking, and farmers markets); interactive cooking classes sharing how fruits and vegetables taste when seasoned and cooked; and a 5K race training and road race. Throughout the program, 12 Peninsula MRC volunteers partnered with James City County Parks and Recreation Volunteers to provide support for these activities. Peninsula MRC volunteers provided health education, trained children for the 5K race, and helped organize the activities. Peninsula MRC received support for this program through last year’s NACCHO Competitive Capacity Building Award. The award allowed the MRC to help fund areas of the program where specialized expertise or fees were needed, such as writing and conducting training plans for the participants in the 5K race, farm tour admission, 5K registration, bus transportation, and materials for interactive cooking. The program was free during the pilot year to reduce the financial barrier for program participation. The pilot project targeted income-based communities since these children would rarely or never participate in centralized recreational programs due to financial, transportation, cultural, or lifestyle barriers. However, the Healthy Me! Move In To Health program provided the children with exposure to and an outlet for positive and
Interactive cooking
safe recreational and social behavior, increased their access to recreational community programs, and educated the children and their families about the value of a healthy lifestyle with recreational activities. Thus far, the program has fostered a healthier neighborhood and community, and has demonstrated a replicable model for future recreational programs for lowincome neighborhoods. Agritourism at a local farm
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Central District Health Department MRC Raises Awareness about Immunizations Since 2011, the Central District Health Department MRC (ID) has partnered with their local baseball team, the Boise Hawks, to help increase the low immunization rates in Idaho. Their partnership began with a successful onetime Immunization Night that grew into a season-long project. The Boise Hawks baseball team has agreed to provide free tickets to those children who are up to date on vaccination rates, and lets an MRC volunteer or health department staffer choose who throws out the first pitch on immunization nights. Now in its third year, the MRC and the Boise Hawks have reached 3,300 people. This year, five immunization nights took place at the ballpark, and 15 MRC volunteers provided outreach education. On the night of the events, MRC volunteers worked with health department staff to invite parents and children to visit their immunization booth. MRC volunteers provided education about the importance of
A child who recently received an immunization throws out the first pitch
Immunization awareness booth at the ballpark
immunizations for children as well as education on the free ticket program the health department offered. The free ticket program provides an incentive to parents to get their child immunized and a reason for the child to ask his/her parents about updating immunization records. On an average night, the immunization department and the MRC volunteers speak to over 30 parents and children. To raise awareness about the partnership, the Central District Health Department distributes tickets at local elementary schools, clinics, and daycare centers. They also advertise using an outfield banner at the ballpark. And while the health department cannot track actual immunizations resulting from the partnership, they have distributed 3,349 tickets of the 4,000 issued by the Boise Hawks. “This is the third season that the MRC and the immunization department have been able to partner with the baseball team, and so far it has proven to be a successful outlet for outreach and a productive project as a whole,” said Lisa Spanberger, Central District Health Department MRC Coordinator.
News from NACCHO Register Now for the 2014 Preparedness Summit Registration is now open for the 2014 Preparedness Summit. The Summit provides professional development opportunities for those working at all levels in public health and healthcare through a variety of interactive workshops, sessions, and town halls that are not available in any other venue. MRC volunteers will benefit from the abundance of best practices, toolkits, and lessons learned that presenters share at the Summit. Many Summit sessions focus on the critical role of the MRC in preparedness and several presenters are MRC unit leaders who have responded to large-scale disasters.
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This year’s Summit theme is “Stronger Together: Aligning Public Health and Healthcare Preparedness Capabilities to Protect Our Communities,” and will take place April 1—4, 2014 in Atlanta. A diverse range of attendees includes professionals working in all levels of government (local, state, and federal), emergency management, volunteer organizations, and healthcare coalitions. The Summit delivers opportunities to connect with colleagues, share new research, and learn how to implement model practices that enhance capabilities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and emergencies. Don’t miss out on outstanding learning and networking opportunities during the 2014 Preparedness Summit; register today at www.preparednesssummit.org.
New York City MRC Provides Emergency Vaccinations Throughout 2013, the New York City MRC has provided support to four emergency requests for mass vaccination from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYC DOHMH). From May 6 through June 26, the NYC MRC assisted in a vaccination campaign for meningitis in the gay men’s community and vaccinated 844 people at the Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC) Center. Twenty-four NYC MRC volunteers provided 48 hours of service alongside staff from GMHC, and thanks to this effort, no new meningitis cases have been reported since February. The NYC MRC has donated 1,407 volunteer hours administering the Hepatitis A vaccine over three separate instances. In April, the NYC MRC provided 38 volunteers to work alongside NYC DOHMH staffers after an Alta Restaurant worker tested positive for Hepatitis A, vaccinating 437 persons. In August, the NYC MRC again responded to NYC DOHMH’s request for assistance to run a vaccination POD when a West Side Food Market employee tested positive for Hepatitis A; 65 MRC volunteers assisted in the vaccination of 1,928 persons. And in September, 70 MRC volunteers aided the NYC DOHMH in vaccinating over 3,000 individuals once it was discovered that a food
Volunteers set up the Bronx POD
handler at the New Hawaii Sea Restaurant had fallen ill with Hepatitis A. In all of these instances, the support of the MRC was crucial. Since the Hepatitis A vaccine must be administered within 2 weeks of exposure, it was critical to use MRC volunteers to handle the surge in vaccinations in a timely manner. “NYC MRC has become an integral part of NYC DOHMH’s response to local health emergencies. Volunteers’ willingness to help on very short notice is remarkable, and their efforts help to keep NYC healthy,” said Betty Duggan, Director of the NYC MRC.
NACCHO Resources New NACCHO MRC Awards Website Fosters an Online Community NACCHO is pleased to announce that the new NACCHO MRC Awards website (http://mrcnaccho.org) launched in September for this year’s awards process. Unit leaders should have already registered on this site to apply for the Capacity Building Awards and the Challenge Awards, and to receive periodic updates about the awards process. The new website contains helpful information about this year’s awards process and resources for writing proposals and crafting budgets. A new forum feature allows unit leaders to connect with other unit leaders and
Did you know that 38% of unit leaders have advanced degrees? Learn more about the characteristics of the MRC Network in the upcoming Network Profile of the Medical Reserve Corps report, scheduled for release in March 2014.
NACCHO staff to discuss questions about the awards. Please check the site often as it will be frequently updated with new resources. As this year’s awards process moves forward, look for awardee profiles, video updates, and more.
We want to hear from you! We need your help to make this newsletter informative, interesting, and beneficial to MRC units nationwide. We are always accepting stories and best practices on the MRC. Remember that stories with photos are more likely to be included. We look forward to your submissions.
Submission Guidelines
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For the upcoming newsletter... Please submit stories and photos for consideration by December 20, 2013 to
[email protected].
Please include contact information (e-mail and telephone number) for follow-up. If you include photos, please send as high-resolution JPEG, TIF, or EPS attachments. Digital cameras should be set for high-quality images using the maximum megapixel setting available. Photo submissions should also include a caption or description of the event.
This publication is made possible by the support of the Office of the Surgeon General under the terms of Cooperative Agreement MRCSG061001-01-00.
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Volume 7, Issue 4
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FALL 2013
www.medicalreservecorps.gov
A Look Ahead December
January
February
National Safety Month
National Blood Donor Month
American Heart Month
1 World AIDS Day
Cervical Health Awareness Month
8-14 National Influenza Vaccination week
Jan. 27 – Feb. 2 National Drug Facts Week
National Children’s Dental Health Month National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
