As I pass my one year anniversary as the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps Coordinator, I have been reflecting on the program as a whole as well as the accomplishments of the past year.

Although we have not had any MRC deployments in the past year, I have been trying to maintain deployment readiness through recruitment of new members and by updating our program’s foundational documents, including our Mission, Vision, and Values.

My recruitment strategies have revolved around filming a recruitment video that I hope will build excitement and participation. The video is in post-production as this column goes to print, and my plan is to have a Premiere Celebration in the coming months where we screen the video as well as recognize our members, both new and long-standing. Watch the newsletter for more information on this event.

I have also developed some new MRC branding materials that include posters, fliers, signage, and recruitment cards. You will start seeing them around the Health Sciences areas of campus soon. I am very happy with how they incorporate images of our members, who are the backbone of our program.

Finally, I want to share the U of MN MRC Mission, Vision, and Values. We had a basic mission statement in the past, but as part of my attempt to begin to evaluate our activities against a strategic plan for our program, I wanted to expand the mission to include a vision and values:

Mission

The mission of the University of Minnesota Medical Reserve Corps is to serve as a diverse and inclusive membership of faculty, staff, and students that provides both physical and mental health support during and after an emergency on campus or in the community. With a focus on excellence and subject matter expertise, we continuously enhance our skills, knowledge, and resources that contribute to a strong, healthy, and prepared U.

Vision

We aspire to be a leader in a national network of local response groups, actively engaging communities to strengthen public health, reduce vulnerability, build resilience, and improve preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. By collaborating with others across the nation, we can share knowledge, best practices, and resources to collectively make a lasting impact.

We Value

With our values as our guiding principles, we strive to work towards a healthier, stronger, and more prepared community.

Preparedness

We prioritize readiness for emergencies where proactive measures are taken to safeguard the health and well-being of all, both within our university and the broader community we serve. We proactively develop and maintain our readiness to swiftly respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected. 

Central to our preparedness is the cultivation of a trained and ready workforce, equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to address public health emergencies effectively. We continuously enhance our skills, knowledge, and resources.

Outreach and Public Service

Service is at the heart of our mission. We strive to make a meaningful impact through our active involvement in both the campus and wider community. We provide a proficient, equitable, and comprehensive response to emergencies and contribute to the well-being of those we serve. 

We strive to provide essential resources that enable our campus community to build, sustain, and improve their capacity and capability in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. By sharing our expertise, knowledge, and resources, we contribute to the overall resilience of our community. 

Physical and Mental Health 

We are committed to providing comprehensive support that encompasses both the physical and mental health of our members and those we serve. We recognize the importance of holistic care in promoting overall resilience and recovery.

We understand that addressing physical and mental health needs during and after an incident requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. By integrating students, staff, and faculty from the health sciences, as well as mental health professionals on campus, we ensure that our services are inclusive and tailored to the diverse needs of our campus and community.

Partnerships and Collaboration

We value an environment where all members actively contribute their unique perspectives and expertise to create comprehensive solutions. Central to our mission is the establishment of strong partnerships with various stakeholders, including local healthcare providers, community organizations, and government agencies. Through building relationships, we create a network of support, enabling us to deliver high-quality services and achieve shared objectives.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We recognize that a diverse and inclusive team enhances our ability to effectively serve the needs of our campus and community. By valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion, we ensure that all individuals are welcomed, respected, and provided with equal opportunities to contribute and thrive within our program.  

Respect and integrity are at the core of our actions, promoting a culture of mutual understanding, trust, and ethical conduct. We recognize that excellence can only be achieved by embracing diversity, valuing every individual, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism. 

Data-driven

We continuously improve our strategies, ensuring that our efforts are effective, efficient, and informed by evidence and best practices. We remain responsive to the evolving needs of those we serve by leveraging the power of data and evaluation.

The next step in the process is to develop a strategic plan that takes into account our mission, vision, and values, and operationalizes our strategy into objectives and tactics. I will introduce this plan to members through our website, newsletter, and response team meetings in 2024.

Please also take a few minutes to read the Health Emergency Response Office (HERO) Director’s Update where Jill DeBoer reflects on our membership as we approach our unit’s 20th anniversary in 2024. We are very excited to celebrate this huge milestone with our members next year!

Be well,

Courtney