Emergency Preparedness
The Sturbridge Health Department is a member of the Massachusetts Region 2 Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Coalition. The Massachusetts Region 2 (PHEP) Coalition is comprised of representatives from the seventy-four local public health departments within the region. Established in 2004, the PHEP Coalition works on joint initiatives related to Public Health emergency planning and response, including fulfillment of the PHEP grant deliverables. The coalition is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention via the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Office of Preparedness and Emergency Management.
The PHEP Coalition currently funds some of our emergency management communications programs, helps with funding for emergency management education, and has provided grants over the years to help outfit the Health Department with supplies to prepare us for public health emergency preparedness. Our Health Agent, Kenneth B. Lacey, Jr, currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Region 2 PHEP Coalition.
The Board of Health would like to take a moment to encourage all residents to consider volunteering for the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is a group of medical and non-medical volunteers who are willing to help out in the event of a public health emergency. Any citizen interested in volunteering with the MRC should contact the Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps.
Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps
The Worcester Regional Medical Reserve Corps is a committed group of volunteers, with or without medical backgrounds, who keep their communities safe by responding to public health emergencies. The Worcester Regional MRC is an initiative of the City of Worcester’s Metropolitan Medical Response System which is overseen by the Worcester Public Health Division.