2025 E.P.I.C. Virginia MRC Awards
In 2023, the Virginia Department of Health Medical Reserve Corps program created a new series of awards to recognize Virginia health districts for their utilization of and support for the MRC program. VA VDH Medical Reserve Corps have continued to recognize such efforts annually.
Engage
The Engage award is given to the Health District that has demonstrated the most frequent and diverse usage of MRC volunteers to augment Health District operations, goals, and objectives.
2025’s winner is Chesterfield Health Department for their use of volunteers to augment health department clinics and offices, immunization clinic, and community events. Volunteers supported 402 events, filled 685 volunteer shifts, and contributed more than 2,400 volunteer hours and completed 254 training courses.
Partner
The Partner award is given to an outside organization that has partnered with a local MRC unit to help bring public health services to the community.
2025’s winner is Fairfax County Public Schools for their ongoing partnership with the Fairfax County Health Department, which provided unique deployment opportunities for the MRC volunteers. This dedication of Fairfax MRC volunteers provided thousands of students with timely vision and hearing screenings.
Innovate
The Innovate award is given to the health district that has the most unique and creative way to use or train their MRC volunteers.
2025’s winner is Mount Rogers Health District, which supported their MRC Program and their development of an amateur radio team. This team consists of more than 11 operators, covering over 180 miles, ready to support when standard forms of communication are not available during an emergency.
Champion
The Champion award is given to a person in VDH that has championed the MRC program.
2025’s winner is Alyce Finch, Rappahannock Area Health District, for championing the MRC within her Newcomer Health Program, providing volunteers with the opportunity to provide compassionate care to the newcomers in their community.
By leveraging MRC volunteers to advance local public health objectives, health departments and municipalities can strengthen state and local capacity and resilience while expanding the impact of community-based public health efforts.