Virginia awarded $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds from ASPR to strengthen the Medical Reserve Corps

Funding targets community health and health equity needs

By: ASPR Office of Public Affairs

Today, the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced $1.5 million for Virginia to strengthen the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) network – focusing on emergency preparedness, response, and health equity needs. Funding for the first-ever MRC State, Territory and Tribal Nations, Representative Organizations for Next Generation (MRC-STTRONG) grant program is from the American Rescue Plan (ARP).  

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) will use MRC-STTRONG funds to increase recruitment, retention, and utilization of MRC volunteers in targeted state health districts. VDH plans to engage MRC volunteers in addressing the needs of at-risk populations, reduce resource gaps, and mitigate health disparities in the state through targeted outreach events. The funds also will allow for ongoing training and professional development for MRC coordinators and staff as well as MRC volunteers throughout Virginia. 

“MRC units are a force multiplier for local emergency responses,” said Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell. “The ARP-funded awards announced today will bolster response efforts in communities across the nation, building on the invaluable role that the MRC played during our fight against COVID-19.”  

The competitive grant was one of 33 awarded by ASPR through the MRC-STTRONG grant program. In March 2023, ASPR first announced $50 million in American Rescue Plan funding available for states, territories, tribes, public/private partnerships, and other public entities to expand their MRC network. 

The MRC is a national network of 300,000 volunteers organized into approximately 750 local community-based groups committed to improving local emergency response capabilities, reducing vulnerabilities, and building community preparedness and resilience.  

MRC units organize and use local volunteers who donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies and to support steady-state preparedness initiatives. They have supported emergency shelter operations and medical care during extreme weather events, organized vaccine clinics and testing sites during the COVID-19 response, provided medical support during large public gatherings, and much more. MRC volunteers also promote community preparedness to improve everyday health and reduce potential public health risks and vulnerabilities. 

For more information about MRC, including joining a local MRC unit, visit aspr.hhs.gov/MRC.