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MRC Response to the Opioid Public Health Emergency

Activity Snapshot 2025

In 2025, MRC units in 37 states and territories carried out activities to prevent opioid misuse, expand education and training, increase access to naloxone, and reduce overdose deaths. The opioid crisis, declared a public health emergency in 2017, remains a serious threat to communities across the country. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) remains on the front lines of this response.

The examples below highlight how MRC volunteers are helping close gaps in healthcare access, strengthen local response efforts, and build more resilient communities.

 

Infographic showing: 37 states, 2,600+ volunteers, 170+ units, 670+ activities, 7,100+ hours, and $280K donated value
 

  • Deschutes County Medical Reserve Corps (OR) and the Deschutes County Health Services partnered to provide harm reduction services across the county. Volunteers distributed supplies, including naloxone and personal protective equipment; connected individuals to care; and offered referrals for higher levels of care. By increasing access to protective supplies, overdose reversal medication, and health services, this collaboration helps prevent the transmission of infectious diseases, may reduce overdose deaths, and supports healthier communities. 
     

  • MRC of Spokane County (WA) trained members of a local nonprofit organization on preventing and responding to opioid overdoses. Participants learned to recognize the signs and symptoms, identify risk factors, and understand how opioids affect the body. This effort strengthened community preparedness by equipping participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to an overdose, including how to administer naloxone.
     

  • Dallas County Medical Reserve Corps (TX) partnered with a local HOSA—Future Health Professionals team in Colleyville to provide opioid awareness education and naloxone administration training at a safety fair for high school students. This effort supported ongoing efforts to address the opioid crisis in Dallas County and the surrounding metro area. 
     

  • Lord Fairfax MRC (VA) led a REVIVE! Lay Rescuer training for second-year Doctor of Pharmacy students at Shenandoah University School of Pharmacy. REVIVE! is Virginia’s Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education program. During the training, Narcan kits and CPR shields were distributed. Students learned how naloxone works once administered and how to educate patients about opioid safety. 
     

  • Dutchess County Medical Reserve Corps (NY) volunteers assembled 800 naloxone kits for community distribution. Each kit included naloxone, fentanyl and xylazine test strips, gloves, alcohol wipes, and a card identifying local resources. Volunteers also completed naloxone administration training and received a kit. The kits were distributed by the Dutchess County Department of Health (DOH) through a partnership between the New York State DOH, the MRC unit, and community partners focused on peer support. These partners jointly provided trainings to address the opioid epidemic. 
     

  • MN HOSA Medical Reserve Corps (MN) partnered to host a three-day camp for 87 high school students from across Minnesota. The camp included overdose prevention training and naloxone education as part of a broader set of emergency response certifications. Students who completed the full program were eligible to join the MN HOSA – Future Health Professionals, strengthening youth involvement in opioid preparedness and community response efforts. 
     

  • Acadiana Medical Reserve Corps (LA) provided naloxone administration training to nurses and staff at a local elementary school.  
     

  • Medical Reserve Corps of Puerto Rico (PR) attended a training focused on the opioid epidemic on the island, with an emphasis on fentanyl and current drug use trends. The session covered the impact of opioid use, risks to different communities, and overdose awareness. Volunteers were prepared to provide education and support within their communities.  
     

  • Christian County Medical Reserve Corps (MO) partnered with a local hospital to provide a training and information session for volunteers. The session covered the opioid crisis, how to recognize addiction and overdose, and how to respond. A naloxone administration demonstration was provided, and naloxone kits were distributed to attendees.