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As Challenge Award recipients, the MRCs in Bridgeport, Milford and Stratford Health Departments and the Ledge Light, Pomperaug, Uncas and Torrington Health districts will each receive $15,000 to implement innovative practices in their local jurisdictions that can be replicated throughout the state and beyond.
"The CT MRC program has grown tremendously since 2002, with 23 MRC units throughout the state providing supplemental assistance to our public safety and public health resources. Our MRC volunteers perform an invaluable service, augmenting necessary medical care and assistance during times of crisis or emergency," said Jonathan Best, the CT MRC statewide coordinator. "The seven MRC units honored with the Challenge Award have distinguished themselves through their volunteer recruitment, leadership and training, and this funding will allow them to develop and implement new programs and practices that will enhance their local communities’ and the state’s emergency preparedness."
DPH also announced that Katherine McCormack, leader of the Capitol Region MRC, was awarded the Mentor Award for her efforts in collaborating with other members of the network in Connecticut and nationally to strengthen the MRC system.
McCormack is the liaison between the 23 MRC units in Connecticut and the statewide coordinator. She coordinated a statewide MRC leadership day, works to increase youth volunteerism in the MRC units, and has formed partnerships with the Hartford and Boston Marathon to include MRC leadership participation at both events.
"We are very proud of the work done by Katherine McCormack to strengthen and grow Connecticut’s MRC units. As one of only two MRC Coordinators recognized nationally with the Mentor Award, we congratulate Katherine on this richly deserved honor," said Best.
Medical Reserve Corps is a partner program with Citizen Corps, a national network of volunteers dedicated to ensuring hometown security. MRC units function as part of local emergency preparedness teams supplementing existing public safety and public health resources.
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