Medical Reserve Corp (MRC)

MRC and ASPR TRACIE Strengthen Partnership to Boost State and Local Preparedness

01/26/2026

Brian Mazanec, Director, Center for Preparedness

Topic:

ASPR’s Office of Medical Reserve Corps (OMRC) and Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange (TRACIE) are collaborating on a one-stop knowledge center that strengthens State and local resilience. This new hub will host resources that Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) unit leaders and volunteers can use as they work to fill gaps in their community’s emergency preparedness, response, and recovery operations.

Under Executive Order 14239, “Achieving Efficiency through State and Local Preparedness,” the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) is evaluating existing programs and resources to ensure State and local partners are resilient in the face of disasters. Response starts locally; communities understand their specific needs and can react immediately to emerging threats.

Once the new hub launches, users will have easy access to curated tip sheets, operational tools, courses, and exercises. This information will specifically benefit MRC units. The TRACIE Team will expand the existing Resource Library and 58 Topic Collections with new content targeted for unit leaders and volunteers. ASPR TRACIE will also develop a dedicated MRC page with links to original materials, such as planning considerations, guidance documents, and speaker series recordings. This new page will allow registered users to save favorites and select training courses to complete at their own pace.

I encourage MRC volunteers to join the ASPR TRACIE Information Exchange (IE). Membership will allow you to connect with your peers and participate in near-real time conversations about anticipated and ongoing health threats; share plans and other materials; and discuss promising practices. All of the conversations in the IE section take place in a secure, password-protected environment. The IE also offers a private group feature for subgroups of users, allowing them space to discuss sensitive topics and share plans and documents that cannot be shared with the broader IE community. OMRC and ASPR TRACIE will create several private groups for MRC leaders, units, and volunteers, beginning with one for state coordinators.

As always, if your MRC unit needs help, reach out to askasprtracie@hhs.gov and ask the question.

ASPR TRACIE and OMRC have shared goals: to serve, inform, and protect the nation. What will users get when these two programs work together? A powerhouse of partnership, aimed at putting actionable information in the hands of state and local residents, bolstering community resilience. ASPR continues to strengthen State and local capabilities and this hub is just one way to access information and strengthen planning.

As we prepare to launch this new resource this spring, the ASPR TRACIE and OMRC teams continue to collect materials for the new library. If you have a resource that your Medical Reserve Corps unit has used to help you prepare for disasters, respond effectively, or increase resilience, contact askasprtracie@hhs.gov.

About the Medical Reserve Corps

The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a national network of 268,000 dedicated volunteers, organized locally in more than 700 units to improve the health and safety of their communities. The MRC recruits, trains, and activates volunteers to respond to community health and safety needs during emergencies.

In 2024 alone, MRC volunteers dedicated over 300,000 hours of service in the communities they serve, filling critical gaps in local health care systems. For example, MRC volunteers provided CPR training to other MRC volunteers and community members; supported the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday and other National Security Special Events; and responded to emergencies, including the flooding in Washington State, the flooding in Texas, and the Shooting at Brown University. To find out how MRC made a difference in your community, check out the 2024 MRC Activities and Impacts by State or Territory.

About ASPR TRACIE

ASPR TRACIE is a one-stop shop, to support access to information and technical assistance (TA) needs of health care coalitions, and health care entities and providers, emergency managers, public health practitioners, and others working in disaster medicine, health care system preparedness, and public health emergency preparedness. The team responds to TA requests during steady state and during response operations and has developed more than 550 resources to fill emergency preparedness knowledge gaps.

Over the last decade, ASPR TRACIE has become the go-to resource for health care emergency managers across the country. TRACIE assists more than 70,000 CMS providers/suppliers with meeting the requirements of the Emergency Preparedness Rule and accrediting organization standards. During disaster and public health emergencies, ASPR TRACIE serves as a virtual force multiplier, improving information access and minimizing duplication of effort.

ASPR Blog Building a Resilient Nation Together: Reflecting on National Preparedness Month

09/26/2025

John Knox, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response

Topic:

Medical Reserve Corp (MRC)

Observances

Preparedness and Response

As National Preparedness Month comes to a close, I find myself reflecting not only on the progress we've made as a nation, but also on the moments that remind us why preparedness matters. Preparedness is not abstract. It's personal.

Preparedness is the difference between chaos and calm, between vulnerability and resilience. And it's built, piece by piece, by the dedication of communities, public servants, and citizens who refuse to be caught unready. Hospitals need to be prepared and remain open and meet the needs of their communities during disasters when access to health care is critical. Families need personal preparedness plans to ensure they can connect during and after disasters. Preparedness is not just about federal investments but should be a priority for everyone. No matter the emergency, we're united in our purpose: save lives, safeguard health, and recover with strength.

At ASPR, our mission is to strengthen that readiness and make it an everyday focus. Our work may begin in policy or planning, but its true measure is in lives saved and communities protected.

Strengthening America's Medical Supply Chains

We've all seen how fragile supply lines can put lives at risk, whether it was shortages of IV fluids after hurricanes or critical medications during disease outbreaks. That's why one of our most important commitments is to rebuild America's ability to produce life-saving medicines here at home.

Our mandate from President Trump is clear: ensure medicines and supplies that the American people need are produced here in the U.S. Through ASPR's Center for Industrial Base Manufacturing and Supply Chain (IBMSC), we're taking decisive action to onshore production of critical pharmaceuticals, safeguarding against the vulnerabilities we have endured in the past. From advancing automated sterile manufacturing systems to expanding facilities that produce essential medications, we're ensuring that when the next emergency strikes, our healthcare system and workers have the tools they need to stay safe and save lives.

This is about more than supply chains. It's about restoring trust, investing in domestic capacity, bringing jobs home to the US, and ensuring that, no matter what comes, America will stand ready.

Developing Cutting Edge Medical Countermeasures

Medical countermeasures don't appear overnight. They take vision, innovation, and partnership. For decades, BARDA has partnered with industry, building the tools clinicians need to save lives during disasters and emergencies. Through bold initiatives like DRIVe Ventures and the BARDA Accelerator Network, they've redefined what public-private partnership means.

The result? Over 100 medical products cleared, licensed, or approved to fight chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear threats; emerging diseases; or drug-resistant infections. BARDA transforms science into readiness and resilience.

Strategic National Stockpile

In a crisis, seconds matter. The Strategic National Stockpile stands ready to deliver lifesaving countermeasures when states, tribal nations, territories and the largest metropolitan areas need them most. But no stockpile, no matter how well built, can succeed alone. It takes coordination. It takes training. And it takes readiness at every level.

That's why I'm calling on our state, local, tribal, and territorial partners: don't wait for the disaster to strike. Get trained. Get ready. The SNS offers free, online courses that can help you act fast when lives are on the line.

Take the time now. You'll want to be ready when disaster strikes.

Supporting Communities Through Regional Operations

Preparedness is forged in relationships long before disaster strikes. Our Regional Administrators and Emergency Coordinators live and work alongside the communities they serve. They are the ones who know the local emergency manager by name, who sit at the table during planning exercises, and who show up when the waters rise, the winds roar, or the earth shakes.

Because of them, coordination is not an afterthought; it's a lifeline. Their work ensures that when the call comes, the response is seamless, and help reaches those in need without delay.

Celebrating ASPR TRACIE's Decade of Service

This September also marked 10 years of ASPR's Technical Resources Assistance Center and Information Exchange (ASPR TRACIE), a milestone that speaks to the power of knowledge shared both before disaster strikes and in moments of urgency. When hospitals face patient surge, when emergency managers confront the unexpected, TRACIE has been there with evidence-based guidance, lessons learned, and practical tools to turn confusion into clarity.

For a decade, TRACIE has been more than a resource: it's been a partner in resilience, empowering communities across the country to prepare, respond, and recover.

Empowering Communities Through the Medical Reserve Corps

If preparedness has a heartbeat, it can be found in the volunteers of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). Ordinary citizens, doctors, nurses, teachers, neighbors, stepping forward to protect their communities in extraordinary ways.

From supporting shelters during hurricanes to lending comfort and care during wildfires, MRC volunteers embody the spirit of service. They remind us that preparedness is not only a government responsibility; it's a shared act of humanity.

Always Scanning the Horizon

Situational awareness is the foundation of readiness. It is the first step in any successful operation, and it is non-negotiable.

At the HHS Secretary's Operations Center, under the leadership of ASPR, we stand the watch. Twenty-four hours a day. Seven days a week. We scan the horizon for the next threat — before it strikes. We don't wait for the call.

When disaster looms or crisis strikes, we move fast. We deliver critical intelligence to decision-makers. We marshal resources. We prioritize the mission. And we execute with precision and purpose.

A Shared Commitment

National Preparedness Month has reminded us again that resilience is not built in a moment. Resilience is built over time, through commitment, education, sacrifice, service, and partnership.

When supply chains are secured, when communities are connected, when knowledge is shared, and when volunteers step forward, we're not just responding to disasters, we're shaping a stronger, safer nation.

Preparedness transforms fear into action, and uncertainty into resolve. And when we embrace it together, we ensure that no matter what lies ahead, America will stand ready.

Thank you for your commitment, your resilience, and your service to one another. Together, we will continue to protect lives, strengthen communities, and build the resilient nation our future demands.

Answering the Call: How MRC Volunteers Embody the Meaning of the 9/11 National Day of Service

09/11/2025

Samantha Spindel, Ph.D., CDR, U.S. Public Health Service, Deputy Director Center for Preparedness, Office of Medical Reserve Corps

Topic:

Medical Reserve Corp (MRC)

Observances

Preparedness and Response

Each year on September 11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance honors lives lost while reminding us of the power of service to heal, unite, and strengthen our communities. The spirit of this day is embodied by the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), a nationwide network of almost 300,000 volunteers who step up every day to protect public health, respond to emergencies, and build community resilience.

A National Network of Dedicated Volunteers

The MRC is composed of over 700 community-based units across the U.S. and its territories. Volunteers range from licensed medical and public health professionals to community members without medical training who want to help. Together, they prepare for and respond to emergencies while supporting routine public health needs. From staffing blood drives to providing shelter support, these volunteers are vital for local resilience.

Core Capabilities

Each MRC unit develops foundational skills like CPR, Psychological First Aid, Stop the Bleed, and Incident Command training. Many units excel at sheltering, running points of distribution, and providing public health education. Beyond core capabilities, many units have specialized skill sets such as behavioral health support, radiological response, and veterinary support.

Partnerships that Strengthen Response

Collaboration is at the heart of the MRC's success. One of its most enduring partnerships is with the American Red Cross. For over 15 years, the two organizations have worked together, and a renewed national agreement further strengthens this bond. This partnership promotes integrated responses, joint training, and improved coordination during emergencies.

Recent examples showcase the impact:

Texas Flood Response (2025): MRC volunteers partnered with Red Cross, the Jonah Community Center, Austin Disaster Relief Network, World Central Kitchen, Humanitarian Emergency Response Organization, Hope Animal-Assistance Crisis Response, and others to response and recovery efforts by administering first aid, supporting mental health initiatives, providing veterinary support, and more.
St. Louis Tornado Response (2025): MRC volunteers provided first aid and other health services at two Red Cross shelters.
Oklahoma Tornado Response (2024): MRC volunteers provided mental health support and tetanus vaccinations at Red Cross-led Multi-Agency Resource Centers, assisting more than 600 households in just two days.
New Mexico Wildfire Response (2024): MRC members staffed Red Cross shelters during the South Fork wildfires, offering both medical and behavioral health support.
Illinois Tornado Response (2024): The Lake County MRC Trauma Response Team provided bilingual crisis counseling to displaced residents sheltered by the Red Cross.

Beyond disaster response, local MRCs and Red Cross chapters routinely collaborate on blood drives, CPR training, and home fire prevention programs, extending their reach in everyday preparedness.

Integration into Local Response Systems

The MRC's strength lies in its seamless integration with public health, emergency management, and healthcare systems. Volunteers act as trusted extensions of these systems, serving as force multipliers when demand exceeds capacity. They support:

Alternative Care Sites during medical surges
Sheltering Operations, both medical and non-medical
Distribution of Needed Goods such as protective equipment, water, and meals
Recovery Efforts, from health education to long-term community support
Emergency Communications and information distribution
Animal First Aid for pets affected by disasters

Many units even provide statewide or interstate support through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), demonstrating the network's reach and flexibility.

National Support for Local Impact

Behind every local unit is the Office of the Medical Reserve Corps (OMRC), which provides coordination, training, and resources. For example, every year, the OMRC has every MRC unit complete a Technical Assistance Assessment to evaluate their capabilities and identify areas for growth. The OMRC uses these assessments to provide targeted training, volunteer management support, and deployment readiness planning. This process ensures units are better prepared to address local and regional needs, whether responding to disasters or supporting ongoing community health.

Key areas of OMRC support include:

Capability Assessment: Helping units identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Training and Education: Access to national training platforms, leadership development, and credentialing.
Resource Development: Templates, toolkits, and risk analysis tools that make local operations more effective.
Partnership Integration: Connecting units to federal and local partners for stronger collaboration.
Storytelling and Data: Capturing and sharing impact stories to highlight MRC contributions.

This national infrastructure ensures that volunteers are not only ready but empowered to make a difference, ensuring state, local, tribal, and territorial partners have the support they need to build capacity, strengthen readiness, and face future challenges with confidence. Through targeted technical assistance, training, and the fostering of strong collaborations, the OMRC is ensures MRC units nationwide are positioned to serve as force multipliers in both preparedness and response.

Service as a Path to Preparedness and Healing

The MRC embodies the mission of the National Day of Service and Remembrance. By bringing together neighbors with diverse skills and a shared purpose, the MRC shows how service strengthens both individuals and communities. Their work directly aligns with national preparedness priorities, ensuring that local communities have the tools and people they need to face emergencies with confidence.

Whether staffing cooling centers during heatwaves, operating shelters in storms, or assisting at local health fairs, MRC volunteers demonstrate that service is not just a one-day act but a daily commitment to community resilience.

Honoring the Spirit of 9/11

On this National Day of Service, we honor the lives lost on September 11 by recognizing the everyday heroes who step forward in their communities. MRC volunteers epitomize the spirit of service, proving time and again that the strength of our nation lies in the dedication of its people.

The MRC is more than an emergency response system, it is a bridge between federal priorities and local action, between neighbors in need and neighbors who serve. On this day of remembrance, we thank the thousands of MRC volunteers who ensure our communities are safer, healthier, and stronger.

If you are inspired to serve, consider joining your local MRC unit. Together, we can honor the legacy of 9/11 by building resilience, one act of service at a time.

Always Ready: How the MRC Strengthens Communities Year-Round through Technical Assistance Assessments

09/04/2025

Teresa Blakeslee, CPC, CDRC Region II MRC Liaison (NJ, NY, PR, USVI) Center for Preparedness, Office of Medical Reserve Corps

Topic:

Observances

Preparedness and Response

Medical Reserve Corp (MRC)

Every September, during National Preparedness Month, communities across the country are reminded to take steps to protect their families, friends, and neighbors in times of crisis. One group that prepares all year long is the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). With nearly 800 local units and close to 300,000 volunteers nationwide, the MRC recruits, trains, and activates medical and non-medical volunteers to respond when emergencies strike. But how do we make sure that this vast network of volunteers is always ready?

One critical way is through the administration of a Technical Assistance Assessment (TAA), which is conducted by a Regional Liaison in the Office of Medical Reserve Corps.

What is the Technical Assistance Assessment?

The Technical Assistance Assessment (TAA) is an annual, structured process during which each MRC unit works closely with its designated Office of the Medical Reserve Corps (OMRC) Regional Liaison to review the unit's operations, strengths, and needs. Think of it as a comprehensive "checkup" for the unit. Just as a doctor's visit helps you stay healthy, the TAA and discussion with the Regional Liaison help MRC units stay prepared, organized, and capable of serving their communities.

The assessment looks at everything from how well units recruit and train volunteers, to how they partner with local organizations, to how quickly they can mobilize during an emergency. It's a chance to affirm what's working and identify where extra support or resources are needed. And the TAA does not stop there—Regional Liaisons within the Office of Medical Reserve Corps equip MRC units with strategic guidance, risk-informed planning support, and access to cross-sector partnerships, all of which enable a wider range of community-based response and recovery activities.

Why It Matters

Preparedness is at the heart of the MRC mission. Emergencies like natural disasters, disease outbreaks, or public health crises don't wait for us to get ready. MRC units ensure they are ready to respond by working with OMRC on these assessments.

Just a few of the areas the TAA explores:

Volunteer readiness: Are volunteers recruited, screened, trained, and recognized for their contributions?
Community partnerships: Does the unit have strong relationships with local health departments, local emergency management agencies, hospitals, schools, and nonprofits?
Emergency response capability: How quickly can the unit mobilize? What specialized skills or teams do they have (like behavioral health, veterinary care, or epidemiology)?
Sustainability: Does the unit have clear goals, solid leadership, and the resources to continue supporting the community in the long term?

By focusing on these areas, MRC units build resilience, with the support and technical assistance offered to them through the OMRC. They make sure that when the unexpected happens, there are trusted, trained neighbors ready to step up. And when a response is needed, the OMRC provides operational coordination before, during, and after public health emergencies, ensuring efforts are integrated across the Department of Health and Human Services, federal interagency partners, and SLTT stakeholders to ensure unity of effort.

Preparedness in Action

The TAA isn't just about paperwork. It opens the door to real improvements. For example, a unit might discover that it needs more training in medical countermeasure dispensing or that it could better engage volunteers through social media. With that knowledge, the OMRC Regional Liaison provides or can help connect the unit with the necessary resources, such as training opportunities, new partners, or best practices from other MRC units across the country.

This process also creates accountability. Units regularly update their update their unit's profile to include the number of volunteers, report participation in community events, and share successes with the larger MRC network. That means every unit, no matter how big or small, contributes to a stronger national system of preparedness.

The TAA also helps identify and organize MRC unit capabilities to inform key local community stakeholder groups/partners (e.g., local public health departments and emergency management agencies, hospitals, and other local health agencies).

What this means to you

The Technical Assistance Assessment may happen behind the scenes, but its impact is visible in every MRC response. Whether supporting distribution campaigns, assisting with shelter support after a storm, helping with grief counseling, or providing education at a community health fair, MRC volunteers are ready because their units have been trained, tested, and strengthened through this process.

So, as you and your family take time this National Preparedness Month to review your own plans, know that thousands of MRC units and volunteers are doing the same, making sure they're ready to keep communities safe, healthy, and resilient when it matters most.

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