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Kansas Medical Reserve Corps Program Unit Leader Workshop

As a wrap to the 3-year MRC-STTRONG project, the Kansas Medical Reserve Corps Program hosted a one-day, in-person Unit Leader workshop. The MRC-STTRONG (State, Territory and Tribal Nations, Representative Organizations for Next Generation) grants were awarded to fund activities that strengthen the MRC network, focusing on enhancing emergency preparedness and response.  

The workshop included sessions on: 

  • How to use training supplies such as the anti-choke training vest, stop-the-bleed tools, and manikins to introduce preparedness to the public at community events as well as to recruit new members;

  • Increasing volunteer engagement and teambuilding with gaming concepts and new training tools; and  

  • Sharing best practices in community outreach and planning blue-sky activities for the next year. 

To boost volunteer retention, the team planned a 5-year volunteer recognition campaign to recognize trainers, volunteer leaders, outstanding achievements, hours of service and training tier achievement.  

All unit leaders were trained as naloxone trainers by Kansas partner, DCCCA, and will use that training to equip their volunteers and their communities with life-saving skills.  

Unit leaders received critical supplies purchased with MRC-STTRONG funds to boost their unit administration, recruitment, and volunteer engagement work.  

Unit leaders were energized by the workshop, reporting that “it was great to share with and learn from each other” and “these are awesome new tools to help support our outreach.” Unit leaders were also able to connect in order to facilitate future coordination of activities and provide backup to each other within their larger state regions.  

The Kansas unit leaders were immediately able to apply their new ideas and utilize the new supplies for deployments and to bolster outreach events in 2027. 

MRC-STTRONG funding has helped to increase Kansans resilience by boosting volunteer membership by at least 150%, expanding volunteer training and community outreach activities, and developing new mission sets.  

Opportunities to meet in person and develop deeper collaborative relationships are invaluable to program development and growth. The Kansas MRC is thankful for the funding to make these crucial connections happen.

MRC units are building local capacity through STTRONG funding to respond to community needs such as naloxone training. These efforts support broader Administration priorities, including those under the Great American Recovery.