Recently, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) celebrated the hard work of its Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) at a special event in Richmond. The MRC, a group of dedicated volunteers, plays a crucial role in supporting public health efforts across the state, especially during emergencies.
More than 22,000 volunteers, both medical and non-medical, are part of this program. State Volunteer Coordinator Adreania M. Tolliver emphasized the importance of teamwork: “Our success comes from the collaboration of local health districts and their support for our volunteers.”
At the event, VDH awarded four E.P.I.C. (Engage, Partner, Innovate & Champion) awards to recognize outstanding contributions:
- Engage Award: Chesterfield Health Department received this award for effectively using MRC volunteers. They helped with 402 events, filling 685 shifts and contributing over 2,400 volunteer hours. Notably, they completed 254 training courses.
- Partner Award: Fairfax County Public Schools were honored for their partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department. Together, they provided vital vision and hearing screenings to thousands of students.
- Innovate Award: Mount Rogers Health District was recognized for creating an amateur radio team. This group of 11 operators is ready to assist when standard communication fails during emergencies.
- Champion Award: Alyce Finch, a public health nurse from the Rappahannock Area Health District, was celebrated for her commitment to including MRC volunteers in her Newcomer Health Program, which supports new residents in the community.
These awards not only highlight individual and team efforts but also reflect the growing spirit of community service. A recent survey by the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) revealed that 70% of volunteers feel a stronger sense of community after participating in emergency response efforts.
As the demand for public health services increases, the MRC’s role continues to be vital. Effective partnerships and volunteer engagement can make a significant difference. For more on the MRC and how to get involved, check out the VDH website.
Learn more about the importance of community health initiatives and volunteer programs through these resources: NVOAD, Virginia Medical Reserve Corps.
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