Community Spotlight: North Central Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps – Preparing for Disaster

Community Spotlight: North Central Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps – Preparing for Disaster

Increasing the preparedness and awareness of the community to medical health issues that will occur during a disaster or major emergency and during non-emergency times is the primary goal of the North Central Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps (NCMS-MRC).

The NCMS-MRC program was established in 2009, by the City of Oxford Emergency Management Agency, the Lafayette County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Baptist Memorial Hospital North MS. The NCMS-MRC serves the L-O-U community and surrounding area covering an area of 679 square miles which includes the City of Oxford, University of Mississippi main campus, and a daily population of over 50,000 citizens.

NCMS-MRC’s plan to achieve its goal of preparedness is by recruiting, training, and having the ability to deploy a volunteer force to assist its primary health care provider (Baptist Memorial Hospital North MS) and the community during times of emergencies. The individuals that make up this force will attend training throughout the year, and will participate in emergency exercises with first responder agencies. The NCMS-MRC unit will also conduct public education, awareness, and recruiting by participating in community events such as the annual Double Decker Arts Festival, school education special events, as well as special events held on the University of Mississippi campus.

Angie Rankin, Director of NCMS-MRC, has been with the program since November 2012. “My experience with this organization has been amazing. I love the fact that our volunteers are willing to get their hands dirty, so to say, to help others in need. It gives a great sense of community and friendship. I enjoy getting to know all of my volunteers and working with them side by side to help educate our family and local neighbors,” said Rankin.

NCMS-MRC hosts various activities each month regarding disaster preparedness and healthy living, such as a healthy vision event for children, informational booths on campus, and a Disaster Fair on the Courthouse lawn that will take place on September 6, 2013. “This event will give the community a chance to educate themselves with the individual vendors that offer disaster preparedness tools, ideas and materials,” said Rankin.

“We have about 55 volunteers as of right now that we depend on for community outreach and training. However, we are constantly recruiting and spreading the word about our organization,” said Rankin. “I have a great feeling about what our organization will accomplish in the years to come and I am excited about being a part of this incredible experience”.

The North Central Mississippi Medical Reserve Corps office is located on the Oxford Square next to City Hall.

Click on “Find Agencies” to search for North Central MS Medical Reserve Corps or call 662-236-6662.