In 2024, Deschutes County Health Services Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Carissa Heinige was honored with an Outstanding New Leader award at the MRC National Summit. The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) is a nationwide network of medical and non-medical volunteers who work together to improve the health and safety of their communities during times of crisis or disaster.
Deschutes County joined the MRC network in 2023, with Heinige appointed as the Unit Director for the County’s MRC. Under her leadership, the Deschutes County MRC has recruited over 100 volunteers in just one year to be prepared to respond in times of crisis. In addition to crisis response training, Heinige has also involved volunteers in community activities such as health fairs, building preparedness kits for vulnerable communities, and participating in crisis intervention training with local law enforcement.
The MRC National Summit is an annual event hosted by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO). This year’s summit, held from May 22 to May 24 in Chicago, Illinois, was attended by over 600 MRC leaders from across the country. It provides an opportunity for leaders like Heinige to network, share best practices, and learn about the latest developments in disaster preparedness and response.
