MRC- state, territory and tribal nations, representative organizations for next generation (MRC-STTRONG) - njdoh is extremely grateful for the funding opportunity to improve our MRC program

Njdoh seeks MRC-STTRONG funding to support activities designed to significantly enhance our registry system infrastructure, processes & establish a standardized core curriculum for volunteers along with live regional trainings to bolster utilization and participation in desired training. To increase ranks & boost enrollment, njdoh will create a persuasive recruitment video for TV & social media platforms in addition to being provided to local MRC units for possible customization and use. Further aiding local MRC units will be subaward purchases of MRC branded clothing to enhance identification of volunteers & provide incident-appropriate gear/equipment for volunteers when deployed. We also will pair some promotional items with recruitment efforts in addition to supporting development of social media campaigns designed to outreach and create awareness in high-risk/underserved communities with at-risk residents. To assist in the regional meeting planning as well as sub-award oversight, njdoh will hire a temporary support staff to assist the MRC SC W/the activities and deliverables of the MRC-STTRONG grant. 1. Training curriculum-provide MRC volunteers with a list of 3 tiers of recommended core curriculum to refresh or enhance knowledge and skills for future deployments.training modules will be available online through FEMA or MRC train. A robust training curriculum will also be offered on an in-person, regional basis via six total workshops, two in each area of the state-north, central,& south, free of charge to approved & active MRC volunteers. 2. MRC registry improvements-through increased demand and use of our MRC registry system during early stages of our covid-19 response, several areas for improvement surfaced. Although we could process the influx of MRC volunteers, we could not track volunteers during deployments. We were also unable to query volunteers to determine if they would be interested in deploying to state-run events along with serving locally. This was problematic particularly when standing up mega-sites for testing or vaccination. Several elements of application processing are still utilizing manual verification & paper processes. To enhance efficiency and effectiveness we'll update features of the electronic MRC registry to address gaps identified during the pandemic, including allowing applicants to choose their desired scope of deployment availability based on MRC tiers, adding management tools to help prevent overlap or exhaustion of resources, automating verification of medical licenses and automation of background checks. 3. Recruitment video-boost ranks of volunteers, njmrc aims to work with a vendor to create a short recruitment video, to be shared with all local units and permit local customization at the end of the video. This video will be suitable for television and social media broadcasts to promote awareness of the MRC and increase the number of volunteers statewide. 4. Temporary FTE to assist state MRC coordinator with the projects proposed under the MRC-STTRONG grant, njdoh is requesting a temporary support position. Having a support position will facilitate management of grant activities in addition to ongoing daily responsibilities helping ensure local MRC deliverables are compliant& timely. This position will be essential particularly in coordination & planning of regional trainings & oversight of sub-awards. 5. Sub-awards to local MRC units-njdoh will support 23 lincs agencies where MRC units are housed locally to enhance preparedness benefiting the whole community. Lincs agencies will have the option to choose among three spending categories: branded/identifying uniform and/or gear for deployment; promotional items to complement recruiting efforts; social media campaign development & execution targeting vulnerable/ at-risk / underserved areas. Subaward funding utilizes algorithm W/ base + variables.