What is Citizen Corps? After September 11, 2001, America witnessed a wellspring of selflessness and heroism. People in every corner of the country asked, "What can I do?" and "How can I help?" Citizen Corps was created to help all Americans answer these questions through public education and outreach, training, and volunteer service. Citizen Corps Councils help drive local citizen participation by coordinating Citizen Corps programs, developing community action plans, assessing possible threats and identifying local resources. In the San Luis Valley, the Citizen Corps Council is made up of local emergency responders, public officials, and citizens concerned about making our area safer and more secure. Programs of Citizen Corps include Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and Neighbor Helping Neighbor/Neighborhood Watch. |
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The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) Program
strengthens communities by helping
medical, public health and other volunteers
offer their expertise throughout the year as
well as during local emergencies and other
times of community need. MRC volunteers
work in coordination with existing local
emergency response programs and also
supplement existing community public health
initiatives, such as outreach and prevention,
immunization programs, blood drives,
disaster exercises, and other efforts.
The Community Emergency Response
about disaster preparedness and trains
them in basic disaster response skills, such
as fire safety, light search and rescue, and
disaster medical operations. Using their
training, CERT members can assist others
in their neighborhood or workplace following
an event and can take a more active role in
preparing their community.
The Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen
advocates to enhance the capacity of fire
agencies. Citizen advocates can assist local
fire departments in a range of activities
including fire safety outreach, youth
programs, fund-raising, and administrative
support.
USAonWatch (UOW)-Neighborhood Watch
works to provide information, training and
resources to citizens and law enforcement
agencies throughout the country. In the
aftermath of September 11, 2001,
Neighborhood Watch programs have
expanded beyond their traditional crime
prevention role to help neighborhoods focus
on disaster preparedness, emergency
response and terrorism awareness.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to
enhance the capacity of state and local law
enforcement to utilize volunteers. VIPS
serves as a gateway to resources and
information for and about law enforcement
volunteer programs.
strengthens communities by helping
medical, public health and other volunteers
offer their expertise throughout the year as
well as during local emergencies and other
times of community need. MRC volunteers
work in coordination with existing local
emergency response programs and also
supplement existing community public health
initiatives, such as outreach and prevention,
immunization programs, blood drives,
disaster exercises, and other efforts.
The Community Emergency Response
about disaster preparedness and trains
them in basic disaster response skills, such
as fire safety, light search and rescue, and
disaster medical operations. Using their
training, CERT members can assist others
in their neighborhood or workplace following
an event and can take a more active role in
preparing their community.
The Fire Corps promotes the use of citizen
advocates to enhance the capacity of fire
agencies. Citizen advocates can assist local
fire departments in a range of activities
including fire safety outreach, youth
programs, fund-raising, and administrative
support.
USAonWatch (UOW)-Neighborhood Watch
works to provide information, training and
resources to citizens and law enforcement
agencies throughout the country. In the
aftermath of September 11, 2001,
Neighborhood Watch programs have
expanded beyond their traditional crime
prevention role to help neighborhoods focus
on disaster preparedness, emergency
response and terrorism awareness.
Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) works to
enhance the capacity of state and local law
enforcement to utilize volunteers. VIPS
serves as a gateway to resources and
information for and about law enforcement
volunteer programs.
