May 2, 2008 — The Maine Township Regional Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is celebrating its 2nd year in the community. The MRC was founded in 2006 on the basis that a regional group, consisting of all of the communities within Maine Township, would be in a better position to assist local communities and authorities with healthcare support in the event of a major disaster. It serves Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Des Plaines, Rosemont, Lincolnwood and the remaining unincorporated areas of the Township.

In the short time that the MRC has been in existence, it has become a national leader in its field with its programs and policies. The MRC has gone beyond simply being prepared and has assisted local communities with health fairs, flu programs, community outreach, and community special events and festivals. Members have also taken part in activities that have come through our area, such as the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness and they were involved in counseling efforts following the campus shootings at Northern Illinois University. Members have also started training to be able to assist our area with pharmaceutical distribution and mass viral protection in cooperation with the Cook County Department of Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Like any other voluntary group, the MRC is looking for valuable volunteers that would be willing to give up some of their time for training and be able to respond if the unthinkable should happen. The MRS hopes to attract people from all levels of the healthcare industry, including doctors of all specialties and general practice, nurses, techs, records, dentists, dental techs, interns, pharmacists, pharmacy techs, mental health professionals, veterinarians, clergy and more. They also have positions for the general public that do not require a healthcare background. These volunteers can assist in logistics, record keeping, clinic flows, mass shelters, community outreach, translators and much more.

Volunteers can elect what level of participation they wish to have as well as chose an option for serving outside our area or in another state should there be a need, like following the flooding in Illinois or the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. To request additional information or to request an application, please contact us at Maine Township Regional MRC, 1700 Ballard Rd., Park Ridge, IL 60068, 847-297-5911 or maine-mrc@sbcglobal.net.

Press Release