By Tim McCarthy
tmccarthy@haverhillgazette.com
—
If you're in trouble, your neighbor could be your best line of defense.
The Northeastern Massachusetts Medical Reserve Corps, an all-volunteer emergency response team, is made up of residents who want to help when help is needed.
The corps ran vaccination clinics for the H1N1 virus last year, staffed shelters during the ice storms of 2008 and helped retrieve the belongings of residents of the Phoenix Row elderly housing development during the floods of 2006.
Many of its 40 members have medical and emergency training, said Director Paul Malone, but that kind of experience is not necessary. Individuals with administrative, financial or mechanical skills are also encouraged to apply.
Even simply being an extra pair of hands to help move supplies into storage could be of help, as the team discovered last week during its monthly meeting.
Corps members aren't sitting around waiting for a disaster.
"If something ever happens, we want to be prepared," he said.
As a result, members are offered training in CPR, first response, and many other emergency services.
The Medical Reserve Corps were established nationwide in 2002, following the outpouring of civilian volunteerism in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. It is one specialized branch of the USA Freedom Corps, an organization created by former President George W. Bush to develop volunteer opportunities in local communities.
The NEMRC serves Haverhill and Groveland, working cooperatively with the Haverhill Emergency Management Agency and the Groveland Department of Public Health.
Malone, a Haverhill police officer and the deputy director of Haverhill Emergency Management, has been the director of the corps since January.
Working with retired Salem, N.H., fire chief John Nadeau, the MRC coordinator, Malone said the group's focus is expanding its membership.
The corps staffed an informational stand, which transformed into an impromptu medical station, during Kidsfest and plans to do the same on the day of the River Ruckus on Saturday, Aug. 14.
"We need people willing to volunteer," said Pam Nolin, a retired nurse who has been volunteering with the organization since its inception.
Nolin is no stranger to the corps' mission of helping those in trouble. She was one of the members who waded through the flooded Phoenix Row in 2006 to recover medications for seniors.
Loading boxes in mid-July humidity may not be as exciting, but Nolin said that the camaraderie that's built among the members keeps her coming back.
Nurses, fire chiefs and police officers may be part of the group's expertise, but willing volunteers from other professions play a pivotal role as well.
Gabriel Richer, 20, of Haverhill is professional actor in Boston but found the corps provided a great opportunity to get involved at home.
"We're helping the community in times of need," he said. "That's why I got involved."
Frank Sadowski of Groveland, who worked at the Bedford Veterans Administration Hospital for 40 years as a behavior modification specialist, said that he signed up because he thought his ability to work with people would prove useful during a crisis.
"I love being busy and I love helping people," he said.
Malone said that he's hoping to grow the organization to 50 members.
"I got great people here," he said.
For more information, visit the corps' website at nemrc.org. Those interested volunteering should contact Malone at 978-373-1212, ext. 565 or Pmalone@haverhillpolice.com.
• • •
To comment on this story or to read what others are saying, visit hgazette.com.
