Medical Reserve Corps Steps Up to Supply Extra Help During Pandemic

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many organizations have stepped in to help out others. Winthrop’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) has recently gone above and beyond, supporting the residents in the town during desperate times.

The MRC joined forces with Survivors by the Sea (SBTS) and made over 1000 wellness check phone calls to senior citizens in the community. The calls were conducted to see if local seniors needed anything from groceries to friendly conversation.

In addition, the MRC helped operate the Winthrop Food Bank and assisted the Town Clerk’s office with getting mail-in ballots ready to be sent out. They will also be taking it a step further and dedicating time to help out at the polls in a variety of ways. The group of volunteers has operated a drive thru flu clinic, which is expected to be the first of many this season.

The 26-person team assigned to the MRC consists of registered nurses, OR nurses, ER nurses, physician assistants, housewives, architects, admin assistants and others from all walks of life. As part of the program, MRC members complete training in a variety of areas including: First Aid, CPR, animal care, shelter skills and mental health.

MRC is a nationwide organization that was established after 9/11 and consists of a volunteer group made up of medical and non-medical citizens. The Winthrop MRC was started by Jeanne Maggio over 15 years ago.

“I  am proud to say that many of our same volunteers are still serving today,” said Maggio, MRC Coordinator. “Our goal is to help our Winthrop community in many different ways.”

Along with the many vaccine clinics that they have operated in town, the MRC has opened shelters during blizzards and hurricanes. The Winthrop shelter operations allow people to bring their pets which isn’t always allowed in other communities. The MRC speaks before organizations to promote public health and emergency operations and has participated in town events such as farmer’s markets and the I Love Winthrop events.

For anyone who would like to volunteer with the MRC, please email:  [email protected]