Each year on September 11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance honors lives lost while reminding us of the power of service to heal, unite, and strengthen our communities. The spirit of this day is embodied by the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a nationwide network of almost 300,000 volunteers who step up every day to protect public health, respond to emergencies, and build community resilience.

A National Network of Dedicated Volunteers

The MRC is composed of over 700 community-based units across the U.S. and its territories. Volunteers range from licensed medical and public health professionals to community members without medical training who want to help. Together, they prepare for and respond to emergencies while supporting routine public health needs. From staffing blood drives to providing shelter support, these volunteers are vital for local resilience.

Core Capabilities

Each MRC unit develops foundational skills like CPR, Psychological First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Incident Command training. Many units excel at sheltering, running points of distribution, and providing public health education. Beyond core capabilities, many units have specialized skill sets such as behavioral health support, radiological response, and veterinary support.

Partnerships that Strengthen Response

Collaboration is at the heart of the MRC’s success. One of its most enduring partnerships is with the American Red Cross. For over 15 years, the two organizations have worked together, and a renewed national agreement further strengthens this bond. This partnership promotes integrated responses, joint training, and improved coordination during emergencies.

Recent examples showcase the impact:

• Texas Flood Response (2025): MRC volunteers partnered with Red Cross, the Jonah Community Center, Austin Disaster Relief Network, World Central Kitchen, Humanitarian Emergency Response Organization, Hope Animal-Assistance Crisis Response, and others to response and recovery efforts by administering first aid, supporting mental health initiatives, providing veterinary support, and more.
• St. Louis Tornado Response (2025): MRC volunteers provided first aid and other health services at two Red Cross shelters.
• Oklahoma Tornado Response (2024): MRC volunteers provided mental health support and tetanus vaccinations at Red Cross-led Multi-Agency Resource Centers, assisting more than 600 households in just two days.
• New Mexico Wildfire Response (2024): MRC members staffed Red Cross shelters during the South Fork wildfires, offering both medical and behavioral health support.
• Illinois Tornado Response (2024): The Lake County MRC Trauma Response Team provided bilingual crisis counseling to displaced residents sheltered by the Red Cross.

Beyond disaster response, local MRCs and Red Cross chapters routinely collaborate on blood drives, CPR training, and home fire prevention programs, extending their reach in everyday preparedness.

Integration into Local Response Systems

The MRC’s strength lies in its seamless integration with public health, emergency management, and healthcare systems. Volunteers act as trusted extensions of these systems, serving as force multipliers when demand exceeds capacity. They support:

• Alternative Care Sites during medical surges
• Sheltering Operations, both medical and non-medical
• Distribution of Needed Goods such as protective equipment, water, and meals
• Recovery Efforts, from health education to long-term community support
• Emergency Communications and information distribution
• Animal First Aid for pets affected by disasters

Many units even provide statewide or interstate support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), demonstrating the network’s reach and flexibility.

National Support for Local Impact

Behind every local unit is the Office of the Medical Reserve Corps (OMRC), which provides coordination, training, and resources. For example, every year, the OMRC has every MRC unit complete a Technical Assistance Assessment to evaluate their capabilities and identify areas for growth. The OMRC uses these assessments to provide targeted training, volunteer management support, and deployment readiness planning. This process ensures units are better prepared to address local and regional needs, whether responding to disasters or supporting ongoing community health.

Key areas of OMRC support include:

• Capability Assessment: Helping units identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Training and Education: Access to national training platforms, leadership development, and credentialing.
• Resource Development: Templates, toolkits, and risk analysis tools that make local operations more effective.
• Partnership Integration: Connecting units to federal and local partners for stronger collaboration.
• Storytelling and Data: Capturing and sharing impact stories to highlight MRC contributions.

This national infrastructure ensures that volunteers are not only ready but empowered to make a difference, ensuring state, local, tribal, and territorial partners have the support they need to build capacity, strengthen readiness, and face future challenges with confidence. Through targeted technical assistance, training, and the fostering of strong collaborations, the OMRC is ensures MRC units nationwide are positioned to serve as force multipliers in both preparedness and response.

Service as a Path to Preparedness and Healing

The MRC embodies the mission of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. By bringing together neighbors with diverse skills and a shared purpose, the MRC shows how service strengthens both individuals and communities. Their work directly aligns with national preparedness priorities, ensuring that local communities have the tools and people they need to face emergencies with confidence.

Whether staffing cooling centers during heatwaves, operating shelters in storms, or assisting at local health fairs, MRC volunteers demonstrate that service is not just a one-day act but a daily commitment to community resilience.

Honoring the Spirit of 9/11

On this National Day of Service, we honor the lives lost on September 11 by recognizing the everyday heroes who step forward in their communities. MRC volunteers epitomize the spirit of service, proving time and again that the strength of our nation lies in the dedication of its people.

The MRC is more than an emergency response system, it is a bridge between federal priorities and local action, between neighbors in need and neighbors who serve. On this day of remembrance, we thank the thousands of MRC volunteers who ensure our communities are safer, healthier, and stronger.

If you are inspired to serve, consider joining your local MRC unit. Together, we can honor the legacy of 9/11 by building resilience, one act of service at a time.

Every September, during National Preparedness Month, communities across the country are reminded to take steps to protect their families, friends, and neighbors in times of crisis. One group that prepares all year long is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). With nearly 800 local units and close to 300,000 volunteers nationwide, the MRC recruits, trains, and activates medical and non-medical volunteers to respond when emergencies strike. But how do we make sure that this vast network of volunteers is always ready?

One critical way is through the administration of a Technical Assistance Assessment (TAA), which is conducted by a Regional Liaison in the Office of Medical Reserve Corps.

What is the Technical Assistance Assessment?

The Technical Assistance Assessment (TAA) is an annual, structured process during which each MRC unit works closely with its designated Office of the Medical Reserve Corps (OMRC) Regional Liaison to review the unit’s operations, strengths, and needs. Think of it as a comprehensive “checkup” for the unit. Just as a doctor’s visit helps you stay healthy, the TAA and discussion with the Regional Liaison help MRC units stay prepared, organized, and capable of serving their communities.

The assessment looks at everything from how well units recruit and train volunteers, to how they partner with local organizations, to how quickly they can mobilize during an emergency. It’s a chance to affirm what’s working and identify where extra support or resources are needed. And the TAA does not stop there—Regional Liaisons within the Office of Medical Reserve Corps equip MRC units with strategic guidance, risk-informed planning support, and access to cross-sector partnerships, all of which enable a wider range of community-based response and recovery activities.

Why It Matters

Preparedness is at the heart of the MRC mission. Emergencies like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or public health crises don’t wait for us to get ready. MRC units ensure they are ready to respond by working with OMRC on these assessments.

Just a few of the areas the TAA explores:

• Volunteer readiness: Are volunteers recruited, screened, trained, and recognized for their contributions?
• Community partnerships: Does the unit have strong relationships with local health departments, local emergency management agencies, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits?
• Emergency response capability: How quickly can the unit mobilize? What specialized skills or teams do they have (like behavioral health, veterinary care, or epidemiology)?
• Sustainability: Does the unit have clear goals, solid leadership, and the resources to continue supporting the community in the long term?

By focusing on these areas, MRC units build resilience, with the support and technical assistance offered to them through the OMRC. They make sure that when the unexpected happens, there are trusted, trained neighbors ready to step up. And when a response is needed, the OMRC provides operational coordination before, during, and after public health emergencies, ensuring efforts are integrated across the Department of Health and Human Services, federal interagency partners, and SLTT stakeholders to ensure unity of effort.

Preparedness in Action

The TAA isn’t just about paperwork. It opens the door to real improvements. For example, a unit might discover that it needs more training in medical countermeasure dispensing or that it could better engage volunteers through social media. With that knowledge, the OMRC Regional Liaison provides or can help connect the unit with the necessary resources, such as training opportunities, new partners, or best practices from other MRC units across the country.

This process also creates accountability. Units regularly update their update their unit’s profile to include the number of volunteers, report participation in community events, and share successes with the larger MRC network. That means every unit, no matter how big or small, contributes to a stronger national system of preparedness.

The TAA also helps identify and organize MRC unit capabilities to inform key local community stakeholder groups/partners (e.g., local public health departments and emergency management agencies, hospitals, and other local health agencies).

What this means to you

The Technical Assistance Assessment may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is visible in every MRC response. Whether supporting distribution campaigns, assisting with shelter support after a storm, helping with grief counseling, or providing education at a community health fair, MRC volunteers are ready because their units have been trained, tested, and strengthened through this process.

So, as you and your family take time this National Preparedness Month to review your own plans, know that thousands of MRC units and volunteers are doing the same, making sure they’re ready to keep communities safe, healthy, and resilient when it matters most.

First of all, I’d like to take a moment to honor the bravery, skill, and commitment of our EMS professionals and first responders. This dedicated workforce includes everyday heroes who work around the clock to protect health and save lives. Whether in a large city or a rural town, EMS professionals show up every day to support their communities, without hesitation. Thank you for everything you do.

During my 34 years of service in emergency response, I’ve seen how quickly plans change in an emergency and I know that responders need timely, clear support – not delays and red tape.

At ASPR we are working to make plans for preparedness and response usable, scalable, and focused on real outcomes to save lives during the worst of times. That kind of planning takes contributions from everyone – EMS, hospitals, healthcare facilities, state and local public health, and many, many others. By working together before disasters, we can make sure our preparedness work isn’t just theoretical – it’s practical and flexible. It is the relationships built before a disaster that hold up when things fall apart.

ASPR makes it easier for responders to access resources and guidance to prepare and respond. We are here to back up communities and provide some of the tools, coordination, and resources you need to help you do your job well when the systems around you are overwhelmed. That includes making sure communication is clear and federal support is easy to access—especially in more remote or underserved areas.

There are a lot of people across the federal government who genuinely want to support local responders. We know that some of the systems in place can be too complex or slow to meet the needs of responders on the ground. At ASPR, I am drawing on my experience in emergency response to simplify access to the support you need, improve coordination before disaster strikes, and make sure that the services we provide are useful.

My Vision for ASPR

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, I saw firsthand how quickly even well-laid plans could get overwhelmed. The systems that had been exercised regularly and leadership teams that had worked together before the crisis made the biggest difference when seconds count.

My vision for ASPR is centered on practical, adaptive, effective preparedness: getting ahead of problems and making sure the systems we build are reliable and ready to perform under pressure. That means improving coordination, investing in the basics like workforce and supply readiness, and making sure our plans aren’t just sitting on shelves—they’re exercised, refined, and ready to go.

I look forward to working with all our partners to help communities recover stronger after every disaster or public health emergency.

John Knox is a dedicated public servant with over 34 years of experience in emergency response, disaster management, and public health advocacy. He began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff, where he honed his skills in law enforcement, search and rescue, and inter-agency collaboration. Building on this foundation, John transitioned to the fire service, serving as a firefighter and paramedic with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Celebrating EMS Week 2025 (May 18-24, 2025)

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals are the backbone of our nation’s emergency response system. Every day, they answer the call—providing life-saving care during disasters, public health emergencies, and everyday medical emergencies. Their dedication and resilience ensure that communities across the country receive timely, high-quality emergency care when it matters most.

Committed to equipping EMS providers with the knowledge and tools they need to prepare for and respond to complex medical emergencies, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) offers a variety of resources through ASPR TRACIE (Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange). Whether dealing with mass casualty incidents, infectious disease outbreaks, or disaster response coordination, EMS personnel can rely on ASPR TRACIE’s guidance to enhance preparedness, improve coordination, and ensure responder safety.

EMS Infectious Disease Playbook (Our Most Accessed EMS Resource)

The EMS Infectious Disease Playbook is an essential guide for EMS professionals handling patients with known or suspected infectious diseases. It provides step-by-step guidance on patient assessment, transport procedures, infection control, and coordination with public health agencies. As infectious disease threats continue to evolve, this playbook serves as a crucial tool for EMS personnel to ensure both patient and provider safety.

Additional EMS Resources from ASPR TRACIE

EMS Resource Page – A central hub featuring a variety of Topic Collections, tip sheets, and webinars, including:

• Pre-Hospital Mass Casualty Triage and Trauma Care Topic Collection – Strategies for triage, trauma care, and response coordination during mass casualty incidents.
• Pre-Hospital Topic Collection – Best practices for integrating EMS into hospital and healthcare system preparedness efforts.
• Mass Violence/Active Shooter Incidents: EMS Considerations: Components healthcare system planners should review when creating no-notice plans (e.g., community-wide patient distribution and resource considerations).
• Disaster Behavioral Health Resources – Information to help EMS providers address psychological first aid, mental health considerations, and resilience for both disaster survivors and responders.

To explore these resources and more, visit ASPR TRACIE-developed Resources.

Thanking Our EMS Heroes

This EMS Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to all EMS professionals for their unwavering commitment to protecting health and saving lives. An efficient, caring, high-quality EMS system is crucial to ensuring care during any emergency and we are grateful for all of the work you do during disasters and public health emergencies and every day.

ASPR TRACIE was created to meet the information and technical assistance needs of regional ASPR staff, healthcare coalitions, healthcare entities, healthcare providers, emergency managers, public health practitioners, and others working in disaster medicine, healthcare system preparedness, and public health emergency preparedness.


 

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20th, we are reminded of Dr. King's powerful vision of a society built on equality, justice, and service to others. This federal holiday, designated as a National Day of Service, encourages all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities, embodying Dr. King's spirit of selflessness and commitment to positive change.

I became the Deputy Director of the Medical Reserve Corps because I am passionate about helping people and serving others and I see that same passion in Medical Reserve Corps volunteers.

The Power of Volunteerism

Dr. King once said, "We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly." These words resonate deeply with the mission of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a national network of approximately 300,000 volunteers dedicated to improving the health and safety of their communities.

Join the Medical Reserve Corps

The MRC offers a unique opportunity to honor Dr. King's legacy by serving your community. As an MRC volunteer, you can:

• Contribute to local health initiatives;
• Assist in emergency preparedness and response activities;
• Provide medical and public health support during crises;
• Promote community resilience and well-being.

Whether you're a medical professional, public health expert, or simply a concerned citizen, there's a place for you in the MRC. We need both medical and non-medical professionals in the MRC to address public health emergencies and strengthen community health.

Making a Difference, One Community at a Time

MRC volunteers have consistently demonstrated their invaluable worth over the years and their commitment to keeping our families, friends, and neighbors healthy.

In 2024, the MRC network completed more than 270,000 hours of volunteer work involving 18,000 activities. MRC volunteers in 38 states and territories dedicated their time to addressing critical public health threats such as extreme weather, wildfires, and community fatalities.

How to Get Involved

Find your local MRC unit.

Contact the unit coordinator to learn about volunteer opportunities.

Complete the application process.

Receive training and join a team of dedicated individuals.

A Day On, Not a Day Off

As we honor Dr. King this year, let's commit to making this holiday into a "day on" rather than a "day off." By joining the Medical Reserve Corps, you can play a vital role in building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities – a fitting tribute to Dr. King's enduring legacy of service and compassion.

Take the first step today. Visit the MRC website to find your local unit and start your journey of community service. Together, we can turn Dr. King's dream of a better world into reality. If you’re already an MRC volunteer, you can honor the legacy of Dr. King by continuing to serve – and by bringing a friend the next time you volunteer.

Today, we reflect on the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024. As we mourn his loss, we celebrate his contributions to public health, disaster preparedness, and humanitarian efforts that have shaped our nation and the world.

A Champion for Public Health

President Carter's commitment to public health was evident during his presidency and his post-presidential years. His efforts in this arena included:

• Campaign to Eradicate Guinea Worm Disease: One of Carter's most significant public health achievements was his tireless work to eradicate Guinea Worm Disease. Through The Carter Center, he led a global campaign that has reduced cases by 99.99%, bringing this debilitating parasitic infection to the brink of eradication.
• Addressing the Impacts of Neglected Tropical Diseases: The Carter Center's work extended beyond Guinea worm, tackling other neglected tropical diseases such as river blindness, lymphatic filariasis, and trachoma. These efforts have improved the lives of millions in under-resourced communities worldwide.
• Mental Health Advocacy: Carter was a pioneer in addressing mental health issues. During his presidency, he created the Presidential Commission on Mental Health and signed the Mental Health Systems Act of 1980, providing crucial funding for community mental health centers.

Disaster Preparedness and Response

One of Carter's most enduring legacies in the field of emergency preparedness and response is the establishment of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in 1979. This pivotal decision centralized the federal government's disaster response capabilities, setting a new standard for national emergency preparedness.

Innovations in Healthcare Policy

Carter's presidency saw several important healthcare initiatives:

• Rural Health Initiative: In 1975, Carter championed the Rural Health Initiative, which led to the funding of numerous new health centers in rural areas, significantly improving access to health care for underserved populations.
• Department of Health and Human Services: Carter's administration oversaw the creation of the Department of Health and Human Services (from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare), centralizing and strengthening the federal government's role in health care policy.

A Model of Leadership and Service

Beyond his policy achievements, Carter's personal commitment to service and humanitarian causes serves as an inspiration to all of us in public service. His work through the Carter Center, his efforts in conflict resolution, and his advocacy for human rights demonstrate the profound impact one individual can have on global health and well-being.

Carrying Forward the Carter Legacy

As we remember President Carter, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals he championed:

1. Prioritizing neglected health issues.
2. Advocating for mental health awareness and treatment.
3. Improving health care access for underserved communities.
4. Strengthening our nation's disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
5. Promoting human rights and dignity in all aspects of public health.

President Carter's life reminds us that with dedication, compassion, and perseverance, we can make significant strides in improving public health and emergency preparedness and response. His legacy will continue to inspire our work at ASPR and beyond. We extend our deepest condolences to the Carter family and express our gratitude for President Carter's lifetime of service. May his vision of a healthier, more equitable world continue to drive our efforts in public health and emergency preparedness and response.