2012 LA Marathon
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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MRC Los Angeles Member Orientation
Saturday, April 28, 2012
8:30am – 11:30am
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2012 LAC DHV Training & Exercise Summit
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Time TBD
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This report is a summary of the key themes and results of the various feedback activities from the Member Forum.

To download the report, click here.

As part of their ongoing efforts to keep our country and communities safe during emergencies, the Federal Communications Commission and Federal Emergency Management Agency will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The EAS test plays a key role in ensuring the nation is prepared for all hazards, and that the U.S. public can receive critical and vital information, should it ever be needed.  The first nationwide test will be conducted Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. ET.  This test may last up to three and a half minutes, and will be transmitted via television and radio stations within the U.S., including Alaska, Hawaii, the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and American Samoa. Similar to local emergency alert system tests, an audio message will interrupt television and radio programming indicating: “This is a test.” When the test is over, regular programming will resume.  For more information about the nationwide Emergency Alert System test, please visit http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407 and www.FCC.gov.   On November 9 at 2 p.m. EDT, please remember: Don’t stress; it’s only a test.

We are very proud of our members, especially when we are able to bridge our skilled members who are eager to be involved in the community with opportunities such as this one!

Through MRC Los Angeles, I recently had the privilege of going out into our community to use my skills gained through MRC Los Angeles to raise awareness of disaster preparedness. 

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health’s new campaign called ‘Connect, Prepare, Respond’ took to major culturally diverse events held throughout the summer months in Los Angeles County and distributed tens of thousands of informational brochures on how to prepare a typical household for an emergency. As ambassadors, our primary function was to gain the attention of local members in the community and draw attention to their need to safeguard the health and safety of their families during a disaster. With an emergency kit on display, we were able to demonstrate tools, communication devices, non-perishable food and water, and hygiene supplies which would serve to meet a family’s basic needs for 3 days without gas, power, or running water.

This opportunity gave me a chance to reach out to individuals and share my valuable knowledge of emergency response gained through MRC Los Angeles. I was pleased to find that the majority of the general public who we encountered were very interested in our outreach and had a positive attitude towards the suggestion of being prepared. Many had already done some preparation and were very receptive to our message.

This experience has reinforced my belief that we, as members of MRC, are valuable assets to our community because of our willingness to be proactive during calm times and willingness to assist during times of need.

~ Brenda Gascon, Active Member of MRC Los Angeles

The Medical Reserve Corps – Helping a Nation Heal

To the men and women of the Medical Reserve Corps:

As medical professionals, we know that healing can take time.  As America and the world prepare to mark the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our country, we remember September 11, 2001, with many emotions: sadness for the families of the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives that day and admiration for the heroes who provided aid and comfort to the victims. 

As Assistant Secretary for Health and as U.S. Surgeon General, we reflect with pride that members of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) Commissioned Corps served as some of the most important responders to the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York City. Furthermore, the USPHS helped to ensure the health and safety of rescue workers and the general public during the anthrax incidents in the weeks that followed.      

We also note that these tragic events brought national attention to the need for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).  Initiated as a demonstration project early in 2002, the MRC now represents a nationwide network of local groups of volunteers committed to improving the health, safety and resiliency of their communities. MRC volunteers include medical and public health professionals, as well as others interested in strengthening the public health infrastructure and improving the preparedness and response capabilities of their local jurisdictions.

Today, the MRC is a force that has more than 200,000 volunteers in more than 950 community-based units across the nation.

Those of you who serve our country in this capacity now spend a significant amount of time planning and preparing for disasters as diverse as hurricanes, floods, bioterrorism attacks, pandemics, dirty bombs and more. Many of you were recently deployed to the East Coast to assist with Hurricane Irene response efforts.  During other recent disasters, such as the BP oil spill, floods in the Midwest and tornadoes in the Southeast, you have proven your commitment to the people of the United States.

Many of you have left your families and traveled to faraway places to set up clinics in devastated areas in order to meet the basic health needs of underserved and vulnerable populations. You have worked with community partners to provide medical, dental, vision, mental health, pharmacy, nursing and veterinary care to all who come. You have succeeded in doing all of this with kindness, friendship and a true sense of joy and camaraderie.

As we approach this solemn 10-year anniversary, President Obama is calling for Americans to “honor the victims of 9/11 and to reaffirm the strength of our nation with acts of service.” We thank you for exemplifying that spirit through your dedication and commitment to helping those in need.  Each and every one of you reflects what is best in America!

Thank you for your extraordinary gift to our country and for helping us heal.

Sincerely,

Howard Koh, M.D., M.P.H.

Assistant Secretary for Health

Regina M. Benjamin, M.D., M.B.A.

U.S. Surgeon General

The impact of severe influenza during pregnancy on mother and infant/fetus emphasizes the importance of influenza vaccination, U.S. health officials say.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report says during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic from April 15, 2009 to Aug. 10, 2010, the CDC received reports of 278 pregnant/post-partum women who were admitted to the intensive care unit and survived.

Eighty-four of the pregnant/post-partum women died.

“Infants born during their mother’s hospitalization from severe influenza illness were more likely to be born preterm and of lower birth weight than the general population, and infants born after their mothers had been discharged were more likely to be small for gestational age and of lower birth weight,” the report says. ” Consistent with earlier reports, pregnant women receiving prompt treatment with recommended anti-viral medications were less likely to die than those treated later.”

This is further exemplified when one learns more a little more about Andrea – and it is a busy one indeed! Having moved to Los Angeles County in 1990, she is an accountant by trade and, in addition to volunteering with MRC Los Angeles, is actively involved as a volunteer in the CERTs with USC and the LAFD as well as training with the Mayor’s Office Crisis Response Team. Furthermore, Andrea is a devoted mother to two beautiful teenagers whom she says she “hopes to encourage [in continuing] with this volunteer tradition.”

Proud to be a member of MRC Los Angeles, Andrea joined because she wanted to help people other than in emergency situations. As she herself sets an apt and shining example, she encourages all members to “participate as much as you can…because, at the end, the best pay that you can receive is a smile and a big thank you and the feeling that you can make a difference in someone’s life.” Thank YOU, Andrea – you have truly made a huge difference in MRC Los Angeles!

(video courtesy of Prepare2Respond.org and YouTube)

A magnitude 4.2 earthquake rumbled across the Los Angeles region but there are no early reports of damage.

The U.S. Geological Survey syas the quake hit around 1:47 p.m. Thursday and was centered 24 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles.  It was initially estimated at 4.1.

The quake was felt widely across Los Angeles County. CBS station KCBS Los Angeles reported that rumbling was felt as far as Hollywood, Malibu and part of downtown Los Angeles.  It added that it was followed three minutes later by a magnitude 2.0 aftershock centered four miles north of San Fernando.

County Fire Department Inspector matt Levesque says there does not appear to be any damage.

The time is now to Prepare 2 Respond.    Find more information on how you and your community can prepare at www.prepare2respond.org. 

MRC-TRAIN & DHV User Training
Saturday, November 19, 2011
8:00am – 12:00pm (AM session)
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1:00pm – 5:00pm (PM session)
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DCVMRC ~ A National Perspective
MRC Los Angeles Train-the-Trainer
Psychological First Aid
Saturday, February 25, 2012
8:30am – 3:30pm
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2012 LA Marathon
Sunday, March 18, 2012
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MRC Los Angeles Member Orientation
Saturday, April 28, 2012
8:30am – 11:30am
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We’ve just completed a brand-new update of the MRC Los Angeles website.

We’ve moved some things around and removed some stuff to make room for some new and exciting features. Go on, explore and take a look around and enjoy the newly revamped site!

Every year, if and when budget permits, MRC Los Angeles seeks to offer free CPR & First Aid and BLS trainings exclusively to its members only. Members who just want to get certification or need to get re-certified for professional purposes are eligible to sign up for the training, which is first come, first served. This particular training event took place at the Holiday Inn in Torrance, CA.

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LA County Department of Public Health Advisory, dtd. 03.15.11 

LA County Department of Public Health Advisory

LA County Department of Public Health Advisory UPDATED, dtd. 03.18.11

A member of MRC Los Angeles since 2007, Chan joined because, “I was doing research in public health emergency preparedness, and through that work, met some of the staff of [the LA County Department of Public Health].  One of the challenges facing public health departments everywhere is a shortage of volunteers to help respond to large outbreaks.  Here I was, writing about it in the abstract when I realized I should do something about it personally.” From this response, it can be inferred that Chan not only possesses a very hands-on and realistic approach but he also bears a charitable and community-minded outlook.

These qualities are further exemplified when asked why he feels others should join MRC Los Angeles: “In a community, your well being ultimately affects my well being. [MRC Los Angeles] is a way for us in the community to really serve each other.” How simple and so true is this sentiment?

And, in sharing some closing thoughts with his fellow members, Chan wants to let all of us know something flattering, “I can honestly say, some of the most interesting people I’ve met in LA, I met through MRC [Los Angeles].” And he also wants to share words of encouragement and humor, “I’m not a doctor. (Nor do I play one on TV.) I’m an engineer. But public health requires all sorts of skills. So we all have a role to play.” With that, all that is left to say for now is, “Action!”

A basic Psychological First Aid and Cultural Competency training took place at the Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach, CA. The training’s presenters were Elisa Racely and Jee Kim. The meeting began with a raucous and extremely interactive ice breaker, Human Bingo! Then, the members proceeded to receive a training that helps to meet one of the requirements in the MRC Los Angeles Training Plan.

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A New Take on an Old Story — This Time as Told by Our MRC Volunteers!

Twas the night before clinics and all through the town,
Health departments were aiming to shut the flu down.
Vaccinations were stored in a fridge with great care
In the hopes that our residents soon would be there.

On FluZone! On flu mist! Let’s fight influenza!
Pile the hand sanitizer atop the credenza
Tell all the good people, “Stay home when you’re sick!
You want to be healthy to greet Old St. Nick.”

So into each clinic they entered with glee.
Those folks were all welcomed by our MRC.
Volunteers came out to these sites with a clatter,
Because Public Health was on top of this matter.

Thousands of residents came for their shot,
As MRC membership helped them a lot.
So we heard them exclaim As they left with delight,
“Happy New Year To All, Glad our health is all right!

Held at Quiet Cannon in Montebello, CA, the final member orientation of the year was held for new and existing volunteer members. This meeting was an opportunity to receive an overview of the MRC Los Angeles unit, its national MRC, and the symbiotic relationship existing between MRC Los Angeles and the LA County Department of Public Health. Information was shared regarding the strategic priorities of the unit, deployment and notification procedures and the member code of conduct. An interactive Points-of-Dispensing (POD) activity also took place during the orientation. Also held on this day was the Advisory Meeting, in which the staff and advisory continued in its efforts to solidify a strategic direction, bringing further clarity and accuracy in its plans, goals and objectives.

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This training was held in preparation for two PODs held on October 30th at Lincoln Park and on November 6th at Richie Valens Recreation Center. This marks the first time that MRC Los Angeles was invited to participate in a full-scale exercise as participants. Our unit received a request to staff 12 clinical positions at each of the two PODs and we were able to fulfill the entire request. This training took place at Pickwick Gardens in Burbank, CA.

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MRC Los Angeles members were asked to voluntarily participate in a survey about the possibility of implementing a career mentoring aspect within the unit and organization. Members that were interested in participating in career mentoring (either as a mentor or mentee, or both) were then invited to Swiss Park in Whittier, CA, to participate in a speed mentoring activity. The response was promising and those in attendance had a chance to meet and network with each other.

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Held at the Culver Events Center in Culver City, CA, the second member orientation of the year was held for new and existing volunteer members. This meeting was an opportunity to receive an overview of the MRC Los Angeles unit, its national MRC, and the symbiotic relationship existing between MRC Los Angeles and the LA County Department of Public Health. Information was shared regarding the strategic priorities of the unit, deployment and notification procedures and the member code of conduct. An interactive Points-of-Dispensing (POD) activity also took place during the orientation. Also held on this day was the Advisory Meeting, in which the staff and advisory continued in its efforts to solidify a strategic direction, bringing further clarity and accuracy in its plans, goals and objectives.

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This was the third year that LA County Surge and MRC volunteers registered in the Disaster Healthcare Volunteer (DHV) system got together to network and learn more about their responsibilities and potential roles if activated to respond to an emergency or disaster. The 2010 Volunteer Training Conference was held at Glendale Embassy Suites.

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Every year, if and when budget permits, MRC Los Angeles seeks to offer free CPR & First Aid and BLS trainings exclusively to its members only. Members who just want to get certification or need to get re-certified for professional purposes are eligible to sign up for the training, which is first come, first served. This particular training event took place at the Carson Community Center.

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Ms. Tsay enjoys being a member of this unit because “the value of volunteers is greatly appreciated by MRC Los Angeles.” She has been involved in many events, such as a clinical volunteer at a number of H1N1 PODs and as a participant in several public health and emergency preparedness trainings. When asked what her most memorable event was, Ms. Tsay mentioned the Public Health Emergency Volunteer Appreciation Event/Luncheon (held in January 30 and February 6, 2010, at Hotel Palomar andDescansoGardens). Ms. Tsay’s 13-year old daughter joined her at this event and later told her mother that she now “had a better understanding [of] what kind of volunteer work [she] was doing.” Ms. Tsay summarizes it well by concluding, “We all need support from our family and friends.”

Perhaps that last comment best surmises this article as well. MRC Los Angeles is able to meet its mission and vision goals and continue to grow and thrive because it benefits from the high level of commitment and dedication its volunteer members – like Margaret Tsay – willingly give time and time again.

Ms. Tsay enjoys being a member of this unit because “the value of volunteers is greatly appreciated by MRC Los Angeles.” She has been involved in many events, such as a clinical volunteer at a number of H1N1 PODs and as a participant in several public health and emergency preparedness trainings. When asked what her most memorable event was, Ms. Tsay mentioned the Public Health Emergency Volunteer Appreciation Event/Luncheon (held in January 30 and February 6, 2010, at Hotel Palomar and DescansoGardens). Ms. Tsay’s 13-year old daughter joined her at this event and later told her mother that she now “had a better understanding [of] what kind of volunteer work [she] was doing.” Ms. Tsay summarizes it well by concluding, “We all need support from our family and friends.”

Perhaps that last comment best surmises this article as well. MRC Los Angeles is able to meet its mission and vision goals and continue to grow and thrive because it benefits from the high level of commitment and dedication its volunteer members – like Margaret Tsay – willingly give time and time again.

MRC Los Angeles members were invited to attend a Public Health Emergency Volunteer Training at the Castaway in Burbank, CA. A CHEM/RAD emphasis was placed on the training and individuals from the County and Haz/Mat team were invited to present at the event. Members from various community volunteer units and organizations were in attendance.

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MRC Los Angeles held its Member Meeting at the Marina Del Rey Hotel in Marina Del Rey, CA. A presentation based on the after action report on Los Angeles County’s Pandemic H1N1 effort in Fall 2009 as well as a look back on the accomplishments and an overview of upcoming events of MRC Los Angeles were presented at this meeting.

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Many of our volunteers agreed to participate in the LA Marathon, showing up for a 6AM briefing on a cool Sunday morning in Santa Monica. They were asked to take on the essential role of “hot walkers,” which meant that, as the runners crossed the finish line, they must ensure that they “keep the tired runners moving.” Sure enough, as one female runner crossed the line, she stumbled a bit and one of our own “hot walkers” was quickly there to assist with a shoulder to lean on until the runner got her bearings back. The LA Marathon is a huge event and our unit is proud to have filled such an essential role to help ensure its success!

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MRC Los Angeles members were invited to attend a Public Health Emergency Volunteer Training at the California Country Club in Whittier, CA. A CHEM/RAD emphasis was placed on the training and individuals from the County and Haz/Mat team were invited to present at the event. Members from various community volunteer units and organizations were in attendance.

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In partnership with KidneyWise, an international organization that advocates for increasing awareness about chronic kidney disease and its prevention, MRC Los Angeles participated in the KidneyWise Walk. Our members joined in the 2 or 4 mile walk or opted to share their knowledge and training on emergency preparedness and public health practices at the information booth. This event brought greater visibility for our unit, especially since our volunteers proudly sported their MRC Los Angeles gear!

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Held at the Doubletree Hotel in Commerce, CA, the first member orientation of the year was held for new and existing volunteer members. This meeting was an opportunity to receive an overview of the MRC Los Angeles unit, its national MRC, and the symbiotic relationship existing between MRC Los Angeles and the LA County Department of Public Health. Also held on this day was the Advisory Meeting, in which the staff and advisory continued in its efforts to solidify a strategic direction, bringing further clarity and accuracy in its plans, goals and objectives.

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Volunteers from MRC Los Angeles, the LA County Surge unit and other volunteer units that participated in the Pandemic H1N1 response effort were invited to attend a Volunteer Appreciation Event at Descasno Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge, CA. An after action update was presented to the volunteers and an opportunity for volunteers to provide feedback on the response effort as well as their own volunteer experiences within the context of the response effort took place at this appreciation event. Finally, certificates were given to volunteers who contributed their time and energy in the response effort as well.

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Volunteers from MRC Los Angeles, the LA County Surge unit and other volunteer units that participated in the Pandemic H1N1 response effort were invited to attend a Volunteer Appreciation Event at Hotel Palomar in Westwood, CA. An after action update was presented to the volunteers and an opportunity for volunteers to provide feedback on the response effort as well as their own volunteer experiences within the context of the response effort took place at this appreciation event. Finally, certificates were given to volunteers who contributed their time and energy in the response effort as well.

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