The Office of the Surgeon General (OSG) announced the formation of the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) program in early 2002, and called for Requests for Proposals from organizations and municipalities interested in participating in a 3-year pilot program. The overall goal of the project was (and is) to establish teams of local volunteer medical professionals and laypersons that can contribute their skills and expertise during times of community need, such as influenza pandemic, chemical spill or act of terrorism. Established in early 2002 under the US Citizen Corps which was created as a means to encourage and support citizens to serve their communities through volunteerism, the Medical Reserve Corps allows for the organization and training of volunteers.

Hurricane Katrina exposed a need for skilled volunteers to be trained in disaster preparedness and response in the gulf coast region. Starting August 1, 2006 the New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps (NOMRC) will be housed in the City of New Orleans Health Department. The NOMRC will work in conjunction with the City of New Orleans Health Department, the Orleans Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, the Region I Office of Public Health, and local medical associations. As the NOMRC develops and has a substantial database of members, other partners will be sought to enhance training and sustainability.

The New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps program is designed to assist Region I which consists of Orleans, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes by building a team of healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, mental health and support personnel that will activate and augment the existing medical response during a man-made or natural disaster. In addition, the NOMRC team will address community needs and public health education and assistance on a daily basis.

During man-made or natural disasters, the NOMRC will be activated under the direction of the Regional Administrator / Medical Director for the New Orleans Health Department and the NOMRC Coordinator. During non-disaster times the NOMRC will be activated and mobilized based on community requests, interest, and need.