ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — The Ross County Health District (RCHD) has been granted $182,245 to oversee the coordination of Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) activities in Ohio’s Southeast Central region. RCHD, selected as one of eight regional subrecipients by the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Bureau of Health Preparedness (BHP), will play a pivotal role in the MRC State, Territory, and Tribal Nations, Representative Organizations for Next Generation (STTRONG) regional grant aimed at supporting MRC efforts across the state.
Effective from January 1, through May 31, 2025, this funding is earmarked to bolster public health emergency response and increase MRC volunteers in the expansive region, encompassing counties such as Ross, Athens, Gallia, Hocking, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Pike, Scioto, and Vinton.
The MRC-STTRONG grant outlines four overarching goals:
- Prepare for future public health emergencies and disasters.
- Manage the federal response to and recovery from public health emergencies and other disasters.
- Improve and leverage partnerships with healthcare and public health stakeholders.
- Ensure workforce readiness through the development of innovative workplace practices.
RCHD plans to utilize the funding to enhance the capacity and preparedness of MRC units in the region, focusing on challenges related to volunteer recruitment, engagement, and retention. The goal is to revitalize a robust and sustainable volunteer program capable of effectively responding to public health emergencies.
Tiffany Singer, RCHD’s Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, expressed gratitude for the grant, stating, “We are honored to receive this grant from the Ohio Department of Health, which reflects our shared commitment to the health and safety of our communities.” Singer emphasized that the funding will strengthen public health preparedness and response capabilities.
Leading the regional efforts, Singer highlighted the importance of the grant in reinforcing their commitment to community health and safety. Ross County Health Commissioner, Janelle McManis, echoed Singer’s sentiments, stating, “We are very excited about the opportunities for expanded emergency preparedness this grant will provide, increasing our region’s resilience in crises and natural disasters.”
Local MRC volunteers, comprising a network of over 300,000 individuals nationally, play a crucial role in community health, preparedness, and response infrastructures during emergencies. These volunteers, trained as part of a team, engage in various activities such as emergency preparedness and response training, emergency shelter operations, medical care, disaster cleanup, and recovery support.
McManis concluded, “If you are interested in volunteering for the Medical Reserve Corps, contact Tiffany Singer at 740.779.9652 ext. 2235 or email tsinger@rosscountyhealth.org.” This call to action invites community members, regardless of medical background, to contribute to essential support functions within the MRC.