In response to the outpouring of volunteer support in the days following September 11, 2001, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps. That national initiative is made up of several components, among them AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, and Citizen Corps. Citizen Corps volunteers work to ensure their families, homes, and communities are prepared in the event of terrorism, crime, and disasters of all kinds. One specialized component of that effort is the Medical Reserve Corps, which is aimed at promoting homeland security and optimizing emergency preparedness in communities across America.

In 2002, the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Surgeon General awarded a grant to the Livingston County Department of Health to establish a Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The Genesee Valley Health Partnership is coordinating the development of the MRC. "Strengthening our ability to prepare and respond to emergencies is an important health initiative for the County" said Joan Ellison, director, Livingston County Department of Health.

"The Livingston County Medical Reserve Corps offers health professionals an opportunity to volunteer their expertise in times of need," explains Karen Dewar, Livingston County MRC Coodinator, Genesee Valley Health Partnership. Dewar says that major emergencies can overwhelm the capabilities of first responders, especially during the first 12 to 72 hours. "Medical and other health volunteers can provide an important "surge" capacity during that critical period. They can also augment medical staff shortages at local medical and emergency facilities. Volunteers will also play an important role during non-emergency times by assisting with public health initiatives like flu clinics, health education, screenings and wellness programs."