MRC Members-
In 2025, all Minnesota MRC units adopted a new minimum standard training plan. Our University of Minnesota MRC led this work as part of a larger grant awarded to us by the Minnesota Department of Health. Oona Beall, the Project Specialist, worked with all 20+ MRC Units in the State to develop the plan, beginning with a query of MN MRC Unit Leads for information about: what training they currently require for their volunteers; what gaps they’ve identified; what training should be required at minimum, and what recommendations they had for additional training.
After understanding the current state, all MN MRC Units agreed on a training curriculum, organized into three tiers. The U of M MRC will implement this curriculum for all members in 2026. The plan is on our website here: https://healthemergencyresponse.umn.edu/medical-reserve-corps/u-m-member-orientation-and-training
Tier 1: Minimum Standard MRC Training (required for all MN MRC volunteers)
All of these trainings are linked to our MRC registry to track completion, as long as you take them on Canvas, as linked above.
MRC members should have taken a version of these trainings when joining the U of M MRC, as they were already required for our Unit. Regardless, all members will (re)take the Tier 1 online trainings again, by the end of 2026. You can not be deployed until you’ve taken them. They shouldn’t take more than 2-3 hours total to complete. For members who have been around a while, it’s good to have a refresher.
ALL MEMBERS will complete the Tier 1 training (online) by the end of 2026, or before they can participate in a deployment.
Tier 2: Strongly Recommended MRC Training
The second tier meets the needs of MRC leadership and volunteers while acknowledging the limitations of time and resources for both. Ideally, this training can be done over time once a volunteer completes the above-required training and is continuing in their role with their MRC unit.
Tier 3: Suggested MRC Training
As shown in the environmental scan, unit leads, volunteers, and the literature all reveal an interest in and benefits from the following trainings. They generally are provided by partner organizations and often need to be or are opted to be taught in-person (though may also be available online). These trainings are offered several times a year through our UMN Prepared training program.
U of M MRC Additional Training
There will be at least one opportunity for engagement or training every month this year. These trainings include a variety of topics at various levels from new member to veteran member. The calendar is below, and will also be added to the MRC website here: https://healthemergencyresponse.umn.edu/events . Registration for all MRC activities is through this form. Continue to check the website, as we will continue to add things throughout the year.
Thank you all for your continued involvement in the U of M MRC. As we see and experience our communities struggle, our willingness to be ready to provide our vast expertise is more important than ever.
Be well,
Courtney
