Broome County's Medical Reserve Corps Recognized By U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona

BINGHAMTON, NY - Broome County Executive, Jeff Kraham announced today that the Broome County Medical Reserve Corps, operating under the direction of the Broome County Health Department was recently recognized by U.S. Surgeon General, Richard H. Carmona at the 2004 Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) National Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland July 7th - July 9th.

In the Surgeon General's remarks to conference delegates he cited 5 MRC's from across the United States for, "improving prevention and preparedness efforts and helping to eliminate health disparities." He noted that Broome County's Medical Reserve Corps had, "identified a number of ways its volunteers can contribute during non-emergency periods. For example nurses are calling citizens with reminders to get their cancer screenings, and they have even become facilitators for smoking cessation programs."

The Broome County Medical Reserve Corps was established in 2003 after the Broome County Health Department was awarded a $150,000, 3 year grant entirely funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health and Science, Office of the Surgeon General. The Health Department was initially only one of 42 organizations nationwide and one of 4 statewide to receive the grant. There are currently 200 approved Medical Reserve Corps across the United States. Broome County's MRC currently consists of 44 citizen volunteers composed primarily of physicians, nurses, mental health professionals, pharmacists and clergy.

"Broome County has an outstanding tradition of volunteerism and of putting service to neighbor and community above self," said County Executive Jeff Kraham. " The members of Broome County's Medical Reserve Corps are continuing that rich history of giving to others by expanding and strengthening this County's capacity to respond to an emergency while at the same time playing an important role in ongoing public health initiatives."

To volunteer for the Medical Reserve Corps or to obtain further information please call Cindy Sullivan at the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.3903, or visit the website at www.gobroomecounty.com/hd/.

CONTACT:
Therese Haines
office: 607.778.2109
email: thaines@co.broome.ny.us

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