Corps' coordinator calling for Manalapan volunteers

BY KATHY BARATTA
Staff Writer

MANALAPAN - Volunteers to fill medical and nonmedical positions in Manalapan's Medical Reserve Corps are being sought.

Kim Silverstein, the coordinator of the Medical Reserve Corps, recently outlined the organization's functions and needs in a presentation to the Township Committee.

Citing an ever-present possibility of disasters, man-made or otherwise, Silverstein explained that in the event of any disaster such as a pandemic like bird flu, the corps would be called upon to coordinate emergency distribution of food and medical supplies. The corps would coordinate emergency shelters for residents if needed.

Silverstein said it is important to keep the operation of the corps at a municipal level and not turn the responsibilities over to the county. She said following that plan would prove to be a more efficient way of administering services during a disaster.

Saying that people are "more likely to volunteer in their own community," Silverstein told the committee that "the corps is the best source for community intervention."

Noting that Manalapan is the hometown of many capable medical professionals, Silverstein said that in a time of crisis these same citizens would likely want to help their fellow residents. She said the help of medical and nonmedical personnel is earnestly being sought and will be welcomed.

Silverstein said anyone who wants to assist in any way during a state of emergency will have to be registered as a member of the Medical Reserve Corps. She said once a person is registered, they will be issued an identification card. They will present their ID card when they report for duty during an emergency when the corps is called into action.

Silverstein said the corps recently relinquished part of its quarters to the Samaritan Center, a food pantry that serves Manalapan and Englishtown. She asked the committee for access to the Department of Public Works building on Route 522 so the corps could establish a command center area.

Township Administrator Tara Lovrich said officials are in the process of installing an electric access system in the DPW building that will work on a key card. Once that installation has been completed, access to the building can be worked out, Lovrich said.

Silverstein also asked for a storage trailer for the corps' use. She suggested that a trailer could be placed in the DPW lot. She said the trailer could serve as a command center if the corps is called into action.

Silverstein asked officials to put some money into the municipal budget to support the efforts of the Medical Reserve Corps.