County of Loudoun News Release

September 14, 2009

The Loudoun Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was formed in 2003 as a group of volunteers under the direction of the Health Department to help protect the citizens of Loudoun County in the event of a widespread outbreak of disease, either naturally occurring or due to a terrorist attack. It includes both medical and nonmedical members who are offered free first aid and CPR training, and have responded to such diverse events as Hurricane Katrina, a widespread tuberculosis investigation, back-to-school immunization clinics, and the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus.

Last week the Loudoun MRC recruited its 1,000 member. “While this is an important milestone, many more members are needed as we prepare for the upcoming flu season,” said Francis Rath, Loudoun MRC Coordinator. “You don’t have to be a doctor, nurse or other type of healthcare professional to join.”

For more information about the Loudoun Medical Reserve Corps, including information on how to join, visit www.loudoun.gov/MRC. You may also e-mail the Health Department at health@loudoun.gov.

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Contact: Dr. David Goodfriend, Director, Loudoun County Health Department, 703-771-5829