The Upper Merrimack Valley MRC is one of about two dozen Medical Reserve Corps units in Massachusetts - and one of 450 across America - being formed to respond in case of emergencies. Nearly 80,000 volunteers in 49 states -- plus Washington DC and the U.S. Virgin Islands -- serve in MRC units; in areas as diverse as Anchorage, Alaska and New York City. The number of units continues to increase rapidly , while the existing MRCs are growing and thriving

The national network of MRCs brings together people who have skills related to health care, to serve as needed in their own community. When units are organized and trained, they can respond to events such as public health emergencies and large-scale disasters, and provide ongoing community service