Welcome to Skagit County
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SKAGIT COUNTY MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS IS NOW REGISTERED SKAGIT COUNTY – Any major catastrophe in Skagit County will overrun our usual supply of healthcare workers. Whether it’s a pandemic flu outbreak, a major flood or earthquake, or even a volcano eruption, preparation for public health preparedness is essential. Skagit County Public Health Nurse Donna Smith is the director of Skagit County’s recently registered Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). In October 2005, Smith met with health care personnel from local hospitals, labs and clinics as well as Skagit County Department of Emergency Management (DEM) officials to set up a flu clinic drill. The need for a great number of volunteers to meet surge capacity was discussed. Smith volunteered to pursue a plan to find volunteers. Last summer, Smith obtained lists of local healthcare workers from the Department of Health and drafted a letter and enclosed a volunteer application and registration form. Included on the lists were medical doctors, registered and licensed nurses, pharmacists, mental health workers, certified nursing assistants, veterinarians, dentists, psychiatrists, podiatrists, and massage therapists. “Basically, it was anyone who could possible help in case of an incident like pandemic flu, anthrax, eruption with injuries, or severe flooding,” said Smith. “We have had a tremendous response to both the letter and the willingness to be registered. The response has been heart-warming and exciting, said Smith. “After seven months they are still trickling in.” This past fall, Smith filed an application for Skagit County MRC with the Office of the Surgeon General to have her organization and volunteers registered with MRC. Additionally, Smith applied for a $10,000 grant from NACCHO (National Association of County and City Health Officials). Smith will be attending the National MRC Convention in Providence, Rhode Island and has applied for an additional grant from NACCHO offered to make attendance possible. “Our goal is to get our health care workers volunteers registered and trained through DEM and their Community Emergency Response Team program. Then we will be having trainings and activities to keep them involved,” said Smith. For further information,
contact: Donna Smith, RN
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