Erie County Times

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a trying time for just about everyone, but some have gone above and beyond through volunteer efforts to make things just a little bit easier.

Volunteers from the Erie Regional Medical Reserve Corps were recently commended for their efforts, which included assisting the Erie County Department of Health with COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics, packaging PPE kits for businesses, providing medical screenings and more; a May 4 news release from the Health Department said. They were given a certificate of appreciation at an event organized by the Erie County Department of Health.

"From March 2020 to the present, 80 volunteers donated over 3,500 volunteer hours," Joy Henry, Erie Regional Medical Reserve Corps coordinator, said in the release. "They have assisted in administering over 26,000 COVID-19 vaccinations. The economic value of their efforts to the community is equivalent to $131,678. Erie County can certainly be proud to be surrounded by such an amazing group of people."

On hand to receive the certificate of appreciation were volunteers Barb Tarbell and Mike Giannamore. They were awarded the certificate by Henry and Department of Health Director Erin Mrenak. County Director of Administration Doug Smith was also in attendance. A lunch reception in honor of the recipients was hosted by the Bayfront Convention Center. 

The Medical Reserve Corps is a nationwide volunteer program that not only assists during pandemics or disease outbreaks but also natural disasters and public health emergencies. 

The Erie Regional Medical Reserve Corps accepts all types of volunteers, both medical and non-medical. It serves the counties of Crawford, Erie, Forest, Venango and Warren.

Those interested in volunteering should send an email to mrc@eriecountypa.gov or call 814-823-5205.