LETTER FROM THE SURGEON GENERAL
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Dear Medical Colleagues and Fellow Citizens:
In response to the September 11 th tragedy, the President signed an Executive Order for the development of the Corps under the Department of Homeland Security. We have established the long-due San Fernando Valley Medical Reserve Corps (SFV-MRC) unit, officially registered and approved by the Medical Reserve Corps HQ, in the Office of the Surgeon General. It is also recognized as part of the While House's USA Freedom Corps initiative and the Department of Homeland Security's Citizen Corps. The Corps will tender education and prevention services, in coordination with the San Fernando Valley Citizen Corps (SFV-CC), to improve the public health infrastructure of our neighborhoods and communities.
Sponsored by the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation, the Corps will serve the nearly two million residents of Arleta, Burbank, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Chatsworth, Encino, Hidden Hills, Glendale, Granada Hills, Lake View Terrace, North Hollywood, Northridge, Pacoima, Studio City, San Fernando, Sherman Oaks, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Tujunga, Van Nuys, and Woodland Hills. Furthermore, the Corps has expanded its audience globally for education and public health programs.
The SFV-MRC aims to unify and coordinate the efforts of medical and public health volunteers/centers; commercial and non-profit organizations; and law, fire and other emergency response programs to ensure that communities are working collaboratively in order to meet local emergency needs as they arise. The ultimate purpose of the SFV-MRC is to develop a systematic, efficient, and effective method for providing public education and training opportunities, stimulating wide-spread participation, and organizing volunteer programs to increase the safety of our community.
The Valley is prone to several major natural disasters, for instance, wild fire, earthquake, mudslide, and flooding. In addition, given the our extensive array of prominent businesses and research industries in aerospace, construction, entertainment, food processing, and manufacturing, coupled with a population greater than Hawaii, Maine, and Idaho, the Valley poses as a potential target for terrorists. The SFV-MRC will tender education and prevention services, in coordination with local colleges and universities, to improve the public health infrastructure of our neighborhoods and communities. The Corps will strategize with local, state, and federal law enforcement and terrorism response teams to formulate and institute a citizen approach to thwart and combat terrorism.
We welcome the support of medical, psychological, counseling, social, educational and general volunteers; commercial business and non-profit organizations; private and community medical centers, hospitals, and clinics; and all levels of government to achieve a safer Valley.
Thank you for your help to make the Valley wiser and safer!
Sincerely,
SHAHEEN EMMANUEL LAKHAN, MS, MEd, PhD/MD (c.)
Director (Volunteer)
San Fernando Valley Medical Reserve Corps
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LETTER FROM THE SURGEON GENERAL
Dear Medical Colleagues and Fellow Citizens:
A critical part of my mission as U.S. Surgeon General is to safeguard the health of all Americans. Along with the usual duties of my Office, I have a mandate from our President to focus on medical preparedness, including homeland security and the war on terrorism.
The volunteer Medical Reserve Corps is critical to our national preparedness effort. Medical Reserve Corps volunteers provide assistance and depth to our existing local emergency teams. They augment our public health initiatives. And that's where we need your skills and energy, too. We need to be prepared as communities. Our first response to a disaster is always a local response. To achieve our best, we must forge partnerships among the uniformed services, law enforcement, and health practitionersgroups that traditionally have not worked together. Everyone must be aware of the possible threats and be trained to meet them together.
My start in medicine came from serving as a combat medic while in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. Later, in my years of community service as a trauma surgeon, paramedic, emergency room nurse, and police officer, I saw the best and worst of society on a daily basis. But what I carry with me most todaywhat I bring to my work as Surgeon Generalis the inspiration I received from my peers, from men and women just like you who gave their best, who even risked their lives every day to make their communities safer and healthier. That kind of determined, generous spirit is our nation's richest resource.
I strongly encourage all of youall able medical and health professionals, even ordinary citizens who can help with non technical tasksto join your local Medical Reserve Corps Unit. If there isn't one nearby, find out what you can do to get one started and lead the way for others.
All of us have a role to play in preparing America for the challenges that lie ahead. I look forward to working with all of you for a healthier, stronger America.
Sincerely,
Vice Admiral Richard H. Carmona, MD, MPH, FACS
Surgeon General
Commander, USPHS Commissioned Corps
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
