Medical Reserve Corps Seeks Membership, Discusses History of Terrorism on September 21st
Poughkeepsie…. If there was a disaster in Dutchess County tomorrow, would you volunteer to assist? If the answer to that question is yes, you are invited to join the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) of Dutchess County.
“In times of disaster, MRC volunteers support and supplement local emergency response and make a tremendous difference in protecting and strengthening Dutchess County,” said A. K. Vaidian, MD, MPH, Commissioner of Behavioral & Community Health.
The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County is part of a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community. Both medical professionals and non-medical volunteers are needed.
Residents are invited to join the MRC of Dutchess County and become part of a prepared response effort, helping those in need, quickly and effectively. The MRC of Dutchess County supports the departments of Emergency Response and Behavioral & Community Health when responding to incidents of all kinds. Members receive routine training, free of charge, to prepare them to assist in both emergencies and non-emergency events.
The MRC of Dutchess County meets twice a month, offering training and informational presentations. The next presentation is “The History of Terrorism” on Thursday, September 21st at 7pm at the Department of Emergency Response, 392 Creek Road in Poughkeepsie. The presentation is free and open to the public, but registration prior to the event is required.
“The risk of terrorism extends far beyond news headlines from distant places to communities across the United States,” Dr. Vaidian said. “In Dutchess County, we prepare to respond to all potential hazards, including terrorism and bioterrorism. Our Medical Reserve Corps volunteers also train to support these response efforts.”
Led by Mario Gonzalez, MPA, CEM, EMT, DBCH public health emergency preparedness coordinator, the presentation will take a close look at the history of terrorism, its evolution over thousands of years, and the many ways this strategy continues to impact our world today. The effects of terrorism on warfare and global policing, worldwide policy development, and economies will also be discussed.
For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps, or to register for the September 21st training, please contact MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan at (845) 486-2493 or jryan@dutchessny.gov. For information on upcoming trainings, visit www.dutchessNY.gov/MRC.
