The Greater Fall River Medical Reserve Corps will recruit volunteers from the City of Fall River and the towns of Somerset, Swansea, and Westport who want to donate their time and expertise to promote healthy living throughout the year and to prepare for and respond to emergencies.

The national Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was founded by the federal government shortly after 9/11. The national system brings together people who have skills related to health care as well as citizen volunteers. They serve as a team during times of emergency or need in their own community.  Three MRC units are forming simultaneously in Bristol County in the Fall River, New Bedford, and Attleboro areas and will join many other MRC units organized throughout Massachusetts and the rest of the nation.

GFRMRC will function as a component of the Fall River Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC).  The MRC unit will supplement existing emergency and public health resources and agencies such as local public health, fire, police, and ambulance services, hospitals and health centers and the Red Cross in a collaborative effort to prepare for large scale public health and other emergencies.

GFRMRC will hold orientation sessions for new members, beginning in the near future.  In addition, trainings, exercises, and drills for all members will be organized.  Applications are currently available at the Fall River Board of Health in Government Center, the Board of Health offices in Somerset, Swansea, and Westport, at other participating organizations, including HealthFirst Family Care Center and the Family Health Center at SSTAR, and online at:

For more information about the GFRMRC call 508 324-2520.