As National Emergency Preparedness Month began, the Putnam County Legislature on Sept. 3 recognized the county’s Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, while the organization celebrates its 20th anniversary.
For two decades, the MRC volunteers have served the county’s residents. Members come from all walks of life and careers, and show a willingness and dedication to support the health department through a myriad of challenges – both large and small.
“They have served our community in times of its greatest need,” said Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne. “They have built our resilience and strengthened our county’s public health emergency capabilities. As a volunteer organization, they provide an unmatched monetary and economic value to the county, and they achieve this by working seamlessly with staff at the health department, our Bureau of Emergency Services, law enforcement and other county agencies.”
Dr. Michael Nesheiwat, the county’s interim health commissioner, agreed.
“From the H1N1 flu pandemic in 2009 to the most consequential pandemic of our times, these volunteers are instrumental in our ability to respond to emergencies,” he said. “This program and their efforts are most effective when individual residents also take the time and take actions to be prepared. When everyone’s efforts come together, we are much safer and stronger than we would be otherwise.”
To encourage individuals to make an emergency plan is the rationale behind the annual observance of National Preparedness Month, spearheaded each fall by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“We want to raise individual and collective awareness – and action – toward thinking about and preparing for emergency situations,” said Connie Bueti, the health department’s emergency preparedness coordinator. “There is a lot of valuable information online, and the best, most comprehensive place to start is FEMA’s user-friendly site Ready.gov.”
From the Ready.gov landing page, there is access to targeted emergency information for specific challenges, including flooding, severe weather, hurricanes and extreme heat. There is a section for older adults and the special concerns they face, and a “build-a-kit” section that provides access to a simple emergency supply list in nearly a dozen languages.
For Putnam-specific information and alerts, NY Alert is a free service that provides critical information and emergency alerts for local situations. Being able to access information in real time, as it evolves, is key for individuals, as well as county staff, partners and emergency crews – and it’s free for everyone.
When someone signs up, they can decide what type of information to receive and whether by phone, email, text or fax.
Carla Taylor, who assists with the MRC program, said she is impressed by Putnam’s volunteers,
“I have both been a volunteer and coordinated volunteers, and Putnam County’s MRC volunteers immediately stood out for their commitment to continued growth and learning,” she said. “They collaborate, train, keep their skills current and are eager to support the work of our health department at community education events, flu clinics and more.”
Volunteers of all backgrounds are wanted and do not need to have any healthcare experience. The MRC needs interpreters/translators, clerical and data entry workers, computer support and logistical assistance, in addition to medical professionals.
For information on becoming a volunteer with the Medical Reserve Corps, visit www.putnamcountyny.gov/mrc.
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