Published on October 3, 2025 4:19 pm
Last Updated on October 5, 2025 4:31 pm
Though National Preparedness Month has come to an end, the Effingham County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) continues its emergency and disaster preparedness efforts for its 11th year of service. Since being founded on September 30th, 2014, the Effingham County MRC has been dedicated to protecting and improving public health while strengthening our community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.
The Effingham County MRC is part of a national network of nearly 200,000 volunteers who came together after the 9/11 terrorist attacks revealed the need for an organized system to engage and mobilize volunteers during emergencies. Locally, our unit has spent the past 11 years identifying, training, and equipping volunteers to serve Effingham County when they are needed most.
From the moment it was established, the Effingham County MRC’s mission has been to protect and improve the health and safety of our community. Our efforts focus on identifying and training qualified medical & non-medical volunteers to support public health initiatives, local emergency response efforts, and community preparedness activities. Effingham County MRC volunteers have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities, including:
• Emergency Preparedness and Response: Participating in drills, training exercises, and real-life responses to emergencies and disasters.
• Public Health Initiatives: Contributing to resource/health fairs, vaccination clinics, and health education events aimed at promoting community well-being.
• Training and Development: Participating in virtual and in-person trainings to enhance your skills and knowledge in areas relevant to public health and emergency management.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local organizations and residents to address health needs and improve community preparedness.
Whether you are a healthcare professional or a community member with a passion for service, there’s a place for you in the Effingham County MRC. Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that our community is better prepared for any challenges that may come our way.
As we celebrate 11 years of service, we invite new volunteers to join us in this mission. For more information or to request an application to join, please contact the Effingham County Health Department at (217) 342-9237.
