The Technical Assistance Series is a collection of booklets created by the MRC program office in efforts to strengthen MRC units across the nation and to encourage the formation of new ones.  Feel free to download the booklets useful to your local MRC unit.

Getting Started: A Guide For Local Leaders
Every MRC functions differently. The first step in forming a unit is to carefully evaluate your local situation. It is important to secure a broad base of support from others in your community. Identifying and acquiring resources will be essential to meeting your MRC's operational needs.

Organzing an MRC Unit: Operational Components and the Coordinator's Role
The coordinator's main job is matching community needs for emergency medical response and public health initiatives with local volunteer capabilities. Establishing and sustaining the unit's internal organization also is a priority.

Coordination With Your Local Response Partners
MRC units supplement a community's existing emergency medical response capabilities and public health infrastructure. Coordinating with local response partners is critical, as is developing and nurturing a broad network of partners. Drilling with response partners will be necessary, as will close communications during and after an actual crisis or engagement.

Developing Volunteer Relationships and Capabilities
Developing volunteer capabilites is a key mandate for every MRC unit. The process begins by getting the word out to the community. As volunteers are screened and matched with exisiting needs, they must be informed of any risks associated with their MRC activities. They also will require additional training.

Establishing and Maintaining Your MRC Unit's Organization
A well-run organization is the foundation for every successful MRC unit. Information must be tracked and updated for volunteers and local partners. Policies must be established and followed. Operating funds will have to be solicited, along with leveraged public and private sector resources. Planning-strategically, financially, and operationally-is an essential, ongoing function of the MRC unit's administrators.

Copyright 2007 Erie Medical Reserve Corps
232 West 25th Street    Erie, PA 16544  (814) 452-5336    Fax (814) 452-5442 nancy.jones @svhs.org
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