Elizabeth, NJ – The Union County Medical Reserve Corps (UCMRC), a group of trained volunteers who help the county’s public health professionals during times of emergency, pitched in to help relief efforts following the January 12th earthquake in Haiti.
Participating in an initiative led by the United Way and supported by the Union County Prosecutors Office, the UCMRC helped collect medical supplies, non-perishable food items and clothing to send to the impoverished country. Through the help and support of their employers, volunteers brought in donations of medical supplies and orthopedic supplies as well as suturing materials from Dr. Ralph Sweeney, Dr. Peter Mlynarszyk and Dr. David Befeler of Westfield. Donation of supplies is just one of the many ways the UCMRC has responded to major public health emergencies.
“Haiti will need our help for many months to come”, said Union County Freeholder Mohamed Jalloh. “Along with my colleagues on the Freeholder Board, I commend the caring nature of our Medical Reserve Corp members. We hope through their efforts and those of many other Union County residents these items will help ease the journey to recovery for the Haitian people.”
Union County recently opened a multi-agency resource center in the lower level of Union County College’s Sidney Lessner Building at 12 West Jersey Street. It will serve as a hub for on-site referrals and support services provided by both public and nongovernmental agencies for the large Haitian population in the area. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Union County Medical Reserve Corps is continuously looking for new recruits. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. No medical background is required. Retired or active nurses, doctors, pharmacists, veterinarians, patient records specialists, mental health professionals, interpreters, health educators and epidemiologists are highly encouraged to join. For more information please contact Ella Shaykevich, UC Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator at (908) 518-5631 or at eshaykevich@ucnj.org.
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