Alexandria Health Department (AHD) has released the 2023 Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program Impact Report. The report outlines service data for Alexandria’s MRC, a team of 1,299 medical and non-medical volunteers trained to respond to public health emergencies.

According to the report, MRC completed 1,747 hours of service from January – December 2023. Their efforts resulted in $57,000 of workforce savings.

MRC spent 41% of their time deployed on diverse public health projects.  

In spring 2023, MRC volunteers assisted in moving over 100 health department staff members to the Redella S. "Del" Pepper Community Resource Center. Throughout the summer, MRC attended community events across Alexandria to discuss health topics like heat safety, vaccines, and sexual health. In December, MRC volunteers helped survey residents on home health and safety priorities as part of the City’s Healthy Homes Initiative.

Volunteers built upon the legacy of commitment for which MRC became well-known during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

"Working with MRC, especially during the pandemic, was and is the most fulfilling time I've ever had,” said Lynn Blandford, an MRC volunteer. “All the people, clients, and fellow MRC were always smiling and were very appreciative of our help."

For the remaining time, MRC completed a range of public health emergency preparedness trainings. Training topics included basic life support, N95 mask fit testing, and epidemiological interviewing for infectious disease investigations.

“Volunteers wear a number of hats and bring their diverse skills and experiences to our unit,” said MRC Coordinator Rosy Noguchi. “So, our team is stronger with every new member’s perspective. Being able to leverage your special skill or help a neighbor – it’s the best feeling.”

Visit Alexandria’s MRC website to see the report and to learn how to join MRC.