The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a component of Citizen Corps, under the USA Freedom Corps initiated by President George W. Bush. In response to the outpouring of volunteer support in the days following September 11, 2001, President Bush created the USA Freedom Corps. This national initiative is made up of several components including Peace Corps, AmeriCorps, and Citizen Corps. Citizen Corps volunteers work to make sure their families, homes and communities are prepared in the event of terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds.

One specialized component of this effort is the Medical Reserve Corps. In 2001, the President called for all local citizens to serve in their communities, devoting 4,000 hours in their lifetime in volunteer service to others. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers are local citizens, who will devote their time and effort to their local community.

Columbia/Boone County began a Medical Reserve Corps program in the spring of 2004, following a federal demonstration grant which includes Boone, Cooper and Howard counties.The funding provides our MRC program with a full-time coordinator, supplies, and resources for volunteers. The MRC grant also provides for training opportunities for MRC volunteers to help the community be better prepared for public health emergencies.