17 News Items:
Hampden County MRC units - year in review (fy 2010)
Hampden County Medical Reserve Corps – Fiscal 2010
Overview
Planning for National Emergency Preparedness month had a heightened relevance as H1N1 (swine flu) entered the United States in 2009. The onset of the pandemic flu created challenges and opportunities for public health and MRC integrated planning and response.
MRC volunteers and coordinators staffed the western MA MRC table at the Big E (Eastern States Exposition). We provided information on emergency preparedness, flu prevention, flu care at home and distributed thousands of pieces of literature.
The fall continued to be a time of high level public health activity – monitoring pandemic response, vaccine projections, EDS planning, teleconferences and communications with community members as well as educating and alerting MRC volunteers for potential activation.
November brought vaccine to the region with the city of Westfield holding the region’s first large public clinic. Over 18 MRC volunteers staffed the clinic that distributed over 650 vaccines in four hours.
MRC volunteers were activated through various crisis communication tools including: website email, telephone trees and connect CTY. With additional PHER funding clinics were given the capacity to chose paying staff – which some opted to do and staffing was reported as sufficient across the region. Clinics ranged in size from small closed clinics in a school serving students with additional needs to large public clinics held in auditoriums and gymnasiums. By the end of January, clinics were receiving less people yet most communities maintained available vaccines fro anyone who wanted to be inoculated.
Participation by MRC volunteers was self-reported as, “rewarding…I felt I really helped….glad to be part of helping others.” Partners in public health and EMS continued to acknowledge the key role of MRC volunteers in pandemic response. There is also a growing interest in having MRC volunteer participation in comprehensive public health activities throughout the year.
Spring events were highlighted by the first western MA MRC Leadership Conference held at Westfield State College. The region’s specialty MRC units such as college/university based (STCC, Westfield State College, UMass Amherst) were featured. Leadership roles and the integration of MRC volunteers in the pandemic response were outlined on the county, regional (WMass) and state levels. Leaders from MRC units in metro Boston and Southeastern MA presented on “best practices” and leadership qualities. A full day, two part seminar on “Emotional Resilience” was also offered.
As the Hampden County Health Coalition builds the “Healthy Initiatives” campaign the MRC county coordinator has provided research, materials and outreach to support the coalition.
We are already looking forward to September 2010, National Emergency Preparedness month with ambitious goals to have MRC display tables at schools, “Open House” nights and community events across the county.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC
posted July 8, 2010, by knorbut.MRC Field Day!
MRC FIELD DAY
Greater Westfield & Western Hampden County MRC
Invites MRC volunteers, EMS, partner response agencies and their families
To: Westfield State College
On: Saturday, June 26, 2010
From: 1PM Saturday to 1pm Sunday (that’s right – 24 hours!)
For: Communications Expo, Food, Relaxation and Friends
Here’s the small print – make sure you read it…and email Ed Mello, Jr. at emellojr@comcast.net if you have any questions, hope to see you there!
The event will be held behind 333 Western Ave, Westfield Mass. (Building 1) on the attached campus map. Parking will be on the side of the building and behind it as area permits. Any over flow will have to be parked in the church parking lot to the left on the map, left hand lot (building 21). Any licensed HAM operator who is a member of an MRC is invited to show off their mobile/portable/Go Kits or EOC vehicles with the following restrictions: Nothing is allowed to be driven into the ground anywhere in the lawn due to an underground sprinkler system. Use ground level supports such as umbrella stands weighted with sand bags and tie downs tied to sand bags as guy wires. Bring long wire ties to anchor other above ground structures that might be available for use. There will be no vehicles allowed on any grass surfaces. We have a “GIVE THE GRASS A CHANCE TO GROW” Policy at the campus.
GWWHC MRC Inc., represents Westfield and surrounding communities all interested community members are encouraged to attend. The GWWHC MRC unit is part of the Hampden County and Western MA MRC Advisory Groups. For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps visit, www.wmmrc.org
posted June 16, 2010, by knorbut.National Hurricane Preparedness Week
News Release
FEMA ADMINISTRATOR FUGATE MARKS THE BEGINNING OF NATIONAL HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK
WASHINGTON -- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are partnering during National Hurricane Preparedness Week to share valuable hurricane preparedness information. FEMA continues to work with state, local, tribal, federal and private sector partners to increase preparedness and coordinate response and recovery in the case of a hurricane or disaster. FEMA also urges Americans to use this week as an annual reminder to assess their personal readiness to respond to emergencies.
President Obama recently designated May 23-29, 2010, as National Hurricane Preparedness Week, and called upon all Americans, especially those in hurricane prone areas, to learn more about protecting themselves against hurricanes and to work together to respond to them.
The Presidential Proclamation is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-hurricane-preparedness-week.
"We never know where the next hurricane or disaster will strike, but we know that the more we do to prepare now, the better the outcome will be," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "FEMA will continue to work with our private sector, local, state, tribal and federal partners to ensure that we are prepared, but it is also important that all Americans take the necessary steps now- like developing a family disaster plan - before a hurricane or disaster strikes."
"Regardless of the number of storms that may form this season, make your preparation plans with the idea that is the year you will be struck," said Bill Read, director of NOAA's National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Everyone, including those living outside of hurricane-risk areas, should check personal preparations such as emergency kit supplies, note messages from local emergency officials, and rehearse emergency evacuation routes.
Important items to have ready in case of an emergency include a battery-powered radio (like a NOAA Weather Radio), flashlight, extra batteries, medicines, non-perishable food, hand-operated can opener, utility knife and first aid supplies. Copy and store your important documents in a waterproof bag. These may include medical records, contracts, property deeds, leases, banking records, insurance records and birth certificates.
This is the time to consider potential needs of everyone in the household during an emergency. If your household includes a person with a disability, special steps to assist them may be necessary and should be considered now.
Pets also require special handling. They may become agitated during the onset of a storm, so a pet carrier is a must for safe travel. Pet owners should research pet boarding facilities now within a certain radius of where you may evacuate, since animals may not be welcome in all shelters or hotels.
Take steps now to purchase a flood insurance policy. Not only are homes and businesses in hurricane-prone states at risk for flood, but inland flooding is common in nearby states. To assess flood risk for your home or find a local agent selling national flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov or call toll-free at 1-888-379-9531.
FEMA continues to support the coordinated federal response to the BP oil spill, and this season's hurricane planning has involved consideration of the effects that the BP oil spill could have on the response capabilities and recovery scenarios.
The Atlantic and Central Pacific Hurricane Season runs from June 1-November 30. The Eastern Pacific Hurricane Season started on May 15.
For more preparedness information, please visit www.Ready.gov.
For information about National Hurricane Preparedness Week, visit http://www.fema.gov/hazard/hurricane/hu_season10.shtm
The Presidential Proclamation, http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/presidential-proclamation-national-hurricane-preparedness-week.
posted May 24, 2010, by CMcKeown.Crisis Standards of Care (CSC) Guidelines
DPH has now launched a statewide public engagement process.
Through this process, DPH will reach out to diverse groups of stakeholders to (1) educate the broader community about the possible need to alter the way medical care is delivered during a crisis, and (2) provide opportunities for meaningful consultation and input on community needs, preferences, and perceptions of fairness about CSC.
DPH will use this information to finalize CSC Guidelines for Massachusetts . The public engagement process will include:
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A Healthcare Provider Forum. A large interactive forum—in partnership with the Massachusetts Medical Society--for healthcare providers and first responders to comment on the clinical aspects of the draft CSC Guidelines Vulnerable Populations Meetings.
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A series of meetings with advocacy organizations and community members with special needs and interests (e.g., the disabilities community, cultural and linguistic minorities, elders, children) Community Forums.
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Regional sessions for members of the general public Webcasting and Interactive Website.
- Webcasting of the healthcare provider forum and one of the community forums, and a website that allows those who cannot attend in person to obtain information and provide input online
The CSC public engagement process is being conducted in partnership with the Harvard School of Public Health Center for Health Care Preparedness and the Massachusetts Medical Society.
posted April 29, 2010, by knorbut.Medical Reserve Corps Receive Public Health Heroes Award
Medical Reserve Corps Receive Public Health Heroes Award
(Worcester) Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner John Auerbach, welcomed public health, school, medical and volunteer partners who responded collaboratively to the pandemic response today at the conference, “Responding to H1N1 Influenza - Lessons Learned” at the DCU Center, Worcester, MA. DPH partnered with Local Boards of Health (LBOH), Local Health Departments (LHD), and local emergency planning committees, school personnel and citizen volunteers. Among the Public Health Heroes recognized at the conference was the Medical Reserve Corps of Massachusetts. There are 45 MRC units in the state with 17 units in western Massachusetts.
“MRC volunteers served their communities and our region by donating hundreds of hours assisting in the H1N1 pandemic response,” reported Kathleen Conley Norbut, LMHC, Coordinator, Medical Reserve Corps Western Massachusetts. MRC members are non-medical and medical volunteers who are trained in personal and family emergency preparedness to assist their community in a wide range of public health activities. “The value of the MRC volunteers during this time of extraordinary need is immeasurable,” stated Norbut, “resources have diminished in recent years for LBOHs/LHDs and the MRC volunteers really stepped-up to help the Commonwealth achieve the highest vaccination response in the country.” she said.
The Western Massachusetts Medical Reserve Corps will host the 2010 Spring Leadership Conference on April 16, 2010 at Westfield State College. For more information, or to join the Medical Reserve Corps visit - www.wmmrc.org.
posted March 23, 2010, by knorbut.MRC Volunteer Spotlight
Ed Mello, Jr., RN, EMS specialist is known throughout Hampden County and Western Massachusetts as the “go to guy” for information and assistance for EMT training. Ed’s leadership with the Greater Westfield and Western Hampden County MRC unit extends beyond his volunteer role as the coordinator of the MRC unit.
His commitment to building the MRC unit, which has matured to be an essential part of public health preparedness and response in Westfield, is remarkable. He has recruited a top-notch, diverse group of volunteers with expertise in Amateur Radio (HAM) communications, EMS, and community response. As a faculty member at Westfield State College, Ed has assisted in pioneering the emergency preparedness program that is positioning the college to become the premier educational institution for Homeland Preparedness in the northeast. Look for future announcements about a no-cost conference for MRC Coordinators and MRC team leaders in April 2010 at Westfield State College.
posted February 22, 2010, by knorbut.Volunteer Service and the MRC Mission
The following announcement was sent from the national MRC program office: Please consider joining your local Medical Reserve Corps.
Colleagues: Initiated by Congress in 1994, the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service transforms the federal holiday honoring Dr. King into a national day of community service. The commemoration has grown steadily from a local project to a nationwide movement, which honors the life and teachings of Dr. King.
Instead of seeing January 18th as just a day off from work, the Day of Service seeks to make the holiday a day for volunteerism, where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to strengthen their community, bridge social barriers, and move our Nation closer to the “beloved community” that Dr. King envisioned.
There are many ways for you and your families to get involved. To find an opportunity near you, visit: http://www.serve.gov/mlkday.asp#serve
posted January 14, 2010, by knorbut.Letter of Thanks to MRC's from Commissioner Auerbach
Dear Colleagues:
I would like to extend my appreciation to the thousands of volunteers in the 45 Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) units based in Massachusetts who have been called upon more often than ever before because of the H1N1 virus. You have lived up to your mission of improving the health and safety of communities across Massachusetts by organizing and utilizing public health, medical and other volunteers.
MRC members have generously provided their time and effort to support hundreds of public H1N1 and seasonal flu clinics throughout the Commonwealth over the past several months. Your support has been and will continue to be crucial to the continued success of our efforts to protect the public from H1N1 through mass vaccination and other means.
MRC members have also assisted in community education and awareness campaigns and assisted in planning and exercises in preparation for the mass vaccination efforts that helped ensure success during the H1N1 pandemic. Many people in the highest-risk groups have been vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza. And, for the moment, H1N1 flu illness has declined in most areas. But, we are only at the beginning of the traditional flu season and H1N1 could return with a vengeance. Therefore, we still need your support to continue the vaccination efforts, to educate and inform the public about the flu and to be on call for the unpredictable.
Once again, thank you for your past efforts and for your ongoing commitment to protecting the public’s health. Best wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy new year – with less illness (H1N1 and otherwise) and fewer emergencies.
Sincerely,
John Auerbach,
Commissioner
MRC called a 'Hidden Treasure
In support of our Mission to Build Strong, Healthy and Prepared Communities, Berkshire Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have worked hundreds of hours to date at area H1N1 clinics. Here is what one public health official has to say:
“Your volunteers were great!! Everything went very well and I would like to thank all of your for your support. The MRC is a hidden treasure that many don't know about."
J.W. Pittsfield
If you would like to be involved in something meaningful in the New Year, please sign up to assist at an H1N1 Clinic. It's important, and it's fun! 
YouTube Video about 911 and Volunteering
9-11 and the Medical Reserve Corps
"These were the many health professionals who stepped forward to volunteer on that day and the days that followed"
HHS Secretary Sebelius calls for health professionals to consider enlisting in the Medical Reserve Corps. www.medicalreservecorps.gov
This is a product of www.hhs.gov
posted September 16, 2009, by mmuller.SWINE FLU PUBLIC HEALTH FACT SHEET
Updated September 3, 2009
Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 250 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02108
Swine influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type of influenza virus. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. Most commonly, human cases of swine flu happen in people who are around pigs but its possible for swine flu viruses to spread from one person to another. In the United States there were 12 cases of swine flu in people from 2006 through 2008. In March and April 2009 there have been many more cases of swine flu than usual in both Mexico and the U.S. and the infections have spread from one person to another.
For more information about seasonal flu, pandemic flu, avian flu and swine flu, please visit the websites listed below or contact the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Immunization at 617-983-6800.
Massachusetts Department of Public Health website on influenza
http://www.mass.gov/dph/flu/
Center for Disease Control (CDC) websites on swine flu
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are encouraged to follow core competency trainings on personal and family preparedness with emphasis on response strategies (e.g. hand hygiene, coughing/sneezing etiquette and contingency plans).
For more information contact your MRC Unit Coordinator.
posted August 2, 2009, by mmuller.Cities and Towns Prepare for Pandemic; Some Say Cuts May Hamper Efforts
Posted Tuesday, May 1, 2009
AMHERST, MA (2009-05-01) With the first confirmed cases of swine flu in New England this week, public health officials say they're poised to take action, if the outbreak intensifies. But there are concerns that recent cuts in public health budgets might hamper some efforts. WFCR's Tina Antolini reports.
MRC Volunteers participate in Distant Storm `09 Training Exercise
Chicopee - On a beautiful Saturday in June, Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers from across Hampden County participated in the Distant Storm training exercise at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, MA. Many months of planning between the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS), area hospitals, EMS, fire, public health and Westover Air Reserve Base personnel with volunteer partners including the Medical Reserve Corps and the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross culminated in a full-scale exercise at the base.
Westover Air Reserve Base is a patient receiving base should hospitals in other regions of the country be compromised by natural or man-made disasters. The teams of MRC volunteers who had participated in trainings to learn more about personal and family preparedness, Incident Command System and Psychological First Aid performed diverse functions throughout the day. Town of Longmeadow MRC volunteer Sherry Mandell, RN reported that this was the first time she had experienced anything like a military exercise. Sherry stated, It was a great learning experience (which I hope we will never have to use in a real life situation) and a lot of fun. MRC volunteers transported and attended to over three dozen mannequin patients that arrived by airplane to a base hangar which was the site of the operations. American Red Cross volunteers fed and keep personnel hydrated. Chicopee MRC Coordinator, Tammy Szlachetka was thrilled to see the Chicopee volunteers participate in the exercise as members of the host community for Westover Air Reserve Base and stated, It is a special feeling to have the City of Chicopees health department and MRC volunteers involved in these important planning exercises. Should the need arise, we will be prepared. Volunteers from the Chicopee, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Monson, Springfield, West Springfield, and Greater Westfield and Western Hampden County units participated in the exercise.
The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was initiated shortly after the events of September 11, 2001. There are currently nine MRC units in Hampden County, fifteen in western Massachusetts and over forty MRC units in the state. The mission of the Medical Reserve Corps in our region is to build healthy and resilient communities. For more information about the Medical Reserve Corps or to become a volunteer visit www.wmmrc.org or call Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC, Coordinator, MRC Western MA at (413) 454-5163.
posted June 18, 2009, by knorbut.MRC Volunteers Respond to Ice Storm 12.12.08
12.14.08
The following information is provided as a summary of events of Medical Reserve Corps unit and volunteer activity in response to the state of emergency declared by Governor Deval L. Patrick due to the severe winter ice storm of December 12, 2008. Please send me an email to acknowledge your receipt of this report.
The Franklin County MRC, Holyoke MRC and UMass MRC units responded to requests by the Pioneer Valley American Red Cross and Mary Clark, Director of Emergency Preparedness Bureau, Mass Dept. of Public Health. MRC volunteers from western MA staffed shelters in Heath, Shelburne Falls, Warwick, Williamsburg, Gardner and Worcester. Shelters were open to individuals and families without power including people needing additional assistance. Medical, behavioral health and general support services were rendered. Additionally, a MRC Unit Coordinator, who sheltered in place, assisted National Guard in the town of New Salem.
The Franklin County MRC worked in concert with CERT volunteers under the shared umbrella of Citizens Corps. MRC volunteers trained as HAM radio operators assisted with shelter operations and communications. HHAN was utilized by the Franklin County MRC unit coordinator, Chet Chin to activate the unit. Telephone trees and emails were utilized to contact volunteers and for the western MA Coordinator, Kathleen Norbut to release information, coordinate and update Unit Coordinators on shelter status. Stephanie Bozigian-Merrick, RN, one of the Holyoke MRC charter members, staffed a large shelter in Worcester and compiled an in-depth evaluation for recommendations.
Shelters have begun to close as power is being restored to portions of central and western MA. The value of Medical Reserve Corps volunteers, training and responsiveness was tested with this event. The results were positive. Thank you to all who engaged and to those willing to assist when needed.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Conley Norbut, M.Ed., LMHC
Coordinator, MRC Western MA
Coordinator, MRC Hampden County
Shelter Training for MRC Volunteers
Our partner organization, the Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross has recently expanded coverage to include Hampshire and Franklin Counties. The PV ARC is offering Shelter Training for MRC Volunteers; all volunteers are encouraged to take this training.
Please visit the Calendar to register for upcoming shelter training opportunities
posted November 14, 2008, by knorbut.