Medical Reserve Corps

Our MRC volunteers are showing up for those who served, even after a massive snowstorm! Each month, the Upper Merrimack Valley unit supports local veterans by administering free health screenings, including hypertension checks. This January, volunteers braved winter roads in the aftermath of a massive snowstorm to ensure local veterans received care.

According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs, veterans are at a higher risk for developing hypertension. Ensuring they have a consistent opportunity to manage their health means they can prevent further issues down the road, strengthening care for veterans and putting them first. Many of the MRC volunteers who support the event each month are regulars, which has led to strong bonds being created between the volunteers and veterans. Learn more about the program’s impact on local veterans and their health. aspr.hhs.gov/Stories.

The Office of Medical Reserve Corps was established in 2002 following 9/11 to ensure medical and public health volunteers are trained, organized, and ready to serve when communities need them most.

Today, MRC volunteers gain valuable skills, expand professional networks, and make a meaningful impact by supporting disaster response, emergency preparedness, and community health efforts nationwide.

OMRC celebrates the power of service and invites you to be part of a dedicated network strengthening public health where it matters most. Volunteer, serve your community, and be ready to respond.
Learn more at: aspr.hhs.gov/MRC

The RI Medical Reserve Corps reminded us all what compassionate emergency response looks like.

Following the Brown University shooting, more than 30 RI MRC provided overnight behavioral health support to survivors and the campus community as well as incident support. RI MRC not only brought professional expertise, but genuine care and compassion to those experiencing trauma.

RI MRC volunteers: Your dedication to your community, your empathy for those suffering, and your willingness to give your time and energy during this crisis is the heart of what makes the MRC so vital. You made a real difference in people's lives when they needed it most.

Thank you for your service and for your compassion. The entire MRC family is proud of you.

The RI Behavioral Health Medical Reserve Corps’ Trauma Response Team (TRT) was rapidly deployed in response to the Active Assailant incident at Brown University, providing critical behavioral health and incident support throughout the overnight response.

In coordination with Brown University, Providence Emergency Management Agency, RI EMA, the RI Department of Health, and the RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals (BHDDH), TRT supported the establishment and operation of a Reunification Center on the Brown campus. Team members delivered behavioral health support to students and staff while also serving as subject matter experts to incident leadership during a complex, evolving incident.

The RI Behavioral Health MRC is designed to integrate behavioral health capabilities directly into emergency operations, helping to stabilize individuals, reduce acute stress responses, and support communities in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events.

At the same time, members of the RI Medical Reserve Corps provided incident management assistance, logistical support, operational support, and liaison functions. More than 30 MRC members deployed, many with little notice, demonstrating exceptional readiness and professionalism.

Operations were sustained from 4:30 PM Saturday afternoon through 5:30 AM Sunday morning, underscoring the commitment of volunteers and partners working continuously to support the Brown University community.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all responders and partners involved. Our thoughts remain with the students, staff, and families affected as recovery continues.

Brooke Lawrence
Executive Director
rimrc.link/BLawrence

Medical Reserve Corps
Brown University
RI Dept. of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals
Providence, RI Emergency Management Agency - PEMA
Rhode Island Department of Health
Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency
Governor Dan McKee

Today, we recognize the incredible contributions of the 467 Medical Reserve Corps units that self-reported serving rural or frontier communities.

MRC volunteers provide critical benefits in these areas by:
✔Strengthening local public health capacity
✔Enhancing emergency preparedness
✔Filling vital healthcare gaps where resources may be limited
✔Supporting community resilience with tailored responses
From emergency response to everyday health initiatives, MRC units help ensure that rural and frontier populations receive support.

Congratulations to Outstanding MRC Preparedness and Resilience Volunteer, John Jennings. In 2024, he devoted 244 hours to the Mobile Market, an initiative offering free, fresh produce to 300 community members on Fridays and 460 on Saturdays.

The MRC Program Office established the Outstanding MRC Preparedness and Resilience Volunteer Recognition to honor an MRC volunteer who was actively engaged in carrying out disaster and public health preparedness activities with their MRC during the past year.

The MRC V.I.S.I.O.N Recognitions highlight one recipient and two honorable mentions who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to service. MRC plans to highlight 36 outstanding volunteers in 12 different areas of service. Follow us to learn more about candidates and find out when the winners have been selected. https://aspr.hhs.gov/MRC/vision/Pages/2025-Recognition.aspx