Comments from National LeadershipA strong national leadership recognizes the significant role MRCs can provide in their communities, their regions, and in the nation in times of disaster.
Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
Michael Chertoff, Secretary
Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary
Tom Ridge, Former Secretary |
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"We need to be prepared as communities. Our first response to a disaster is always a local response. To achieve our best, we must forge partnerships among the uniformed services, law enforcement, and health practitioners - groups that traditionally have not worked together. Everyone must be aware of the possible threats and be trained to meet them together. All of us have a role to play in preparing America for the challenges that lie ahead."
"Homeland security does not simply rest upon federal action; it requires collective national action. When it comes to the protection of our people, our infrastructure, our companies, our communities, our country, we all have a role to play if we are to frustrate the enemy's intentions."
"The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) plays an integral part in our preparedness and response strategy. It provides an organized way for medical and public health volunteers to offer their skills and expertise during local crises and throughout the year. We ask you to help us build the best possible volunteer medical and public health corps. By strengthening our communities, we also strengthen our nation."
"We have seen the face of mass terrorist destruction, and the faces of its many victims. And we know that the potential exists for further attacks of this magnitude. Doctors, nurses, EMTs, and the medical emergency professionals of all varieties may one day be called upon to again respond at the scene of such a tragedy - and we must be prepared."