Medical Response Corp. to Join Red Cross Relief Efforts

40 Volunteers Will Train Wednesday for Deployment

September 2, 2008 - With relief efforts in full swing from the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav, American Red Cross volunteer deployments continue as the organization moves into the second phase of this massive relief operation. In order to do so, the Red Cross is turning to its partner agencies to assist with volunteer recruitment and deployment.

On Wednesday, September 4th, approximately 40 Medical Reserve Corps volunteers from the Worcester and Boston Regional MRC groups will attend a "Fast Track Training" where they will cross-train to become members of the Red Cross Disaster Human Resource Team. Volunteers may be enrolled in the system and deployed within 48 hours of completing the training. The seven hour training, held at the Worcester Senior Center from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. will include a Red Cross orientation, mass care (feeding) and shelter operations courses.

"Due to Hurricane Gustav, the American Red Cross and the City of Worcester's Regional Medical Reserve Corps were able to partner in order to efficiently leverage and dispatch volunteers to those areas affected by the hurricane," stated Derek S. Brindisi, Acting Director of Public Health.

The Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps (WRMRC) funded by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and operated under the City of Worcester Department of Health and Human Services is capable of responding and providing support service to Worcester and the other 73 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts during disaster operations.

To date over 3,200 Red Cross volunteers from across the country have deployed to the Gulf. With Hurricane Hanna just around the corner and more following the Red Cross must be ready to deploy as many volunteers as possible pre-landfall.

"Although Hurricane Gustav weakened, the storm did cause major damage to a very large geographic area. With disaster assessment quickly taking place, the Red Cross is now positioned to open shelters for returning evacuees as some will not be able to remain in their homes," stated Nicole Valentine, spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Central MA. "In addition, a very large area is without power and mass mobile and fixed feeding operations are in full swing. We can not do this alone and welcome with open arms the MRC volunteers who are willing to sacrifice three weeks of their own lives to help the thousands who have been affected by this devastating storm."

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