September 1, 2026
Media Contact:
Amanda Hils, Assistant Director for Media Relations, [email protected]
Maryland Department of Health recognizes National Preparedness Month with social media campaign
Marylanders encouraged to volunteer with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps
Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Department of Health is recognizing National Preparedness Month this September by launching a social media campaign to raise awareness among Maryland families, businesses and communities about the importance of being prepared for disasters and emergencies. It will also show how Marylanders can get involved in helping keep their own community safe and prepared.
“National Preparedness Month is a valuable opportunity to educate and empower Marylanders to prepare for and respond to any emergency that could affect their family and community,” said Office of Preparedness and Response Director Sara Barra. “We will also highlight the great work of the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, a dedicated group of volunteers who stand ready to meet our community’s public health needs during emergencies and to support ongoing public health initiatives statewide.”
Composed of 26 local units within health departments throughout the state, the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps is a community-driven program that relies on volunteers who contribute their expertise and effort to support emergency response and strengthen public health programs. These dedicated individuals play critical roles, including providing natural disaster relief, supplying essential medical care and surge shelter capacity, facilitating community health education, and supporting animal welfare during emergency evacuations. The corps welcomes a wide range of volunteers, from active and retired healthcare professionals to those with non-medical backgrounds, such as educators, translators, administrative personnel, and chaplains.
Throughout the month, the Maryland Department of Health will share preparedness information, resources, and tips to help Marylanders prepare for disasters and emergencies, as well as information on how to volunteer with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps. The campaign will run across the Department’s X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube accounts, as well as the Office of Preparedness and Response’s X and Facebook and the Maryland Responds Facebook account.
For more preparedness information from the Office of Preparedness and Response, visit health.maryland.gov/preparedness. For information on volunteering with the Maryland Responds Medical Reserve Corps, visit health.maryland.gov/mdr/Pages/Home.aspx.
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The Maryland Department of Health is dedicated to protecting and improving the health and safety of all Marylanders through disease prevention, access to care, quality management and community engagement.
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