PO Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360

For Release:
September 10, 2014

Mary E. O'Dowd, M.P.H.
Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Department of Health Presents Emergency Go-Kits to Medical Reserve Corps Coordinators

The New Jersey Health Department of Health will present 25 Medical Reserve Corps Unit Coordinators each with an emergency "go-kit" on Sept. 11 at the Mercer County Fire Academy in Lawrenceville as part of the Department's recognition of National Emergency Preparedness Month. The Medical Reserve Corp is a statewide county-based program comprised of health care professionals and community health volunteers.

Assistant Commissioner Christopher Rinn will make the presentation to each of the state's Medical Reserve Corps unit coordinators at their quarterly meeting.  The Department of Health purchased 1,250 for the Medical Reserve Corp volunteers. They will be distributed statewide during September to those members who regularly volunteer for emergencies.

Each go-kit contains an N-95 respirator, thermal blanket, flashlight, whistle, emergency poncho, first aid kit, light stick, food bar, drinking water, pad and pen, multi-function warmer, infectious waste disposal bags, AM/FM mini radio, and antiseptic towelettes. 

What:             
Distribution of Emergency Go-kits to NJ Medical Reserve Corps

Where:          
Mercer County Fire Academy
350 Lawrence Station Road
Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

When:            
Thursday, September 11, 2014
10 a.m.

Who:              
NJ DOH Assistant Commissioner Christopher Rinn
25 Coordinators for New Jersey's Medical Reserve Corps

New Jersey's Medical Reserve Corps comprises more than 5,200 individuals statewide. Units are located in all 21 counties as well as in several municipalities. The Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are either healthcare professionals, who include doctors, nurses, social workers, emergency medical workers and health officers, or community members, who can provide clerical and support services. Healthcare professionals make up approximately 3,200 of the volunteers and more than 2,000 are community volunteers.

Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have helped New Jersey respond to major incidents such as Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Irene and also regular events such as annual flu clinics.

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Last Reviewed: 9/10/2014