MRC Participates in 9/11 Day of Service,
HHS Secretary Releases Call to Action Video

A volunteer receives his seasonal flu shot

Members of the Alexandria MRC

Capt Robert Tosatto (USPHS), Director of Medical Reserve Corps

On September 11th, 2009, the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) participated in an event which commemorated the heroism of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and remembered their spirit of sacrifice and volunteerism as part of the first officially recognized September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, Assistant Secretary for Health Dr. Howard Koh, Congressman Jim Moran, Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Karen Remley, and other local and state dignitaries joined several members of the Office of the Civilian Volunteer, Medical Reserve Corps (OCVMRC) staff on a visit to a mass vaccination exercise at the T.C. Williams High School in Alexandria, VA. This exercise was coordinated by the Alexandria Health Department and the Alexandria Medical Reserve Corps, with strong support from the Virginia Department of Health, the Alexandria Public Schools and the Arlington, Peninsula, Greater Prince William and Rappahannock-Rapidan MRC units.

During this two-hour event, 585 area students, faculty, community members, volunteers, and other guests received their seasonal flu vaccinations. In addition, Secretary Sebelius and Dr. Koh spoke with participants about preparedness, seasonal and H1N1 flu, and the importance of vaccinations. They also met and thanked the MRC volunteers for their service. After receiving their seasonal flu shots from MRC volunteers, Secretary Sebelius and Dr. Koh joined Alexandria Health Director Dr. Lisa Kaplowitz and Alexandria MRC Volunteer, Andy Duncan, in a press briefing to discuss and answer questions about the MRC, the day's event, seasonal influenza and the H1N1 virus. During the short press availability, Andy was able to provide his perspective about the MRC, sharing his personal experiences and reasons for joining the MRC. It was a great opportunity to stress the local nature of the program. Dr. Koh provided two perspectives - that of volunteer and of HHS official. Prior to his current appointment, when living and working in Boston, Dr. Koh volunteered with his local unit. Now, as Assistant Secretary for Health, he has taken a special interest in promoting the MRC, both within and outside of the Department. His unique experience as a MRC volunteer provides us with a true champion!

In her remarks, Secretary Sebelius focused on the importance of receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine, the role MRC volunteers can play in preventing and responding to flu, and the memories of the events of 9/11/01, which brought the MRC into existence. She took time to thank the staff and volunteers that made the exercise a success and reminded everyone that we can all take actions to keep ourselves, our families and our communities healthy, such as proper hand washing, coughing and sneezing into our sleeves, and getting vaccinated.

Secretary Sebelius also announced the release of her video Call to Action (available on www.flu.gov/psa), asking Americans to join the ranks of the Medical Reserve Corps! In this video, she notes that, "Right now, Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are critical to preparedness, response, and the fight against the flu." As we face what could be the most difficult influenza season in recent history, with the added risk of the H1N1 virus, she stressed that there has been no more important time to get vaccinated, educate those around you about the flu, and to volunteer.

To learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps, visit: www.medicalreservecorps.gov

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