WHEREAS, for more than two decades, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps, a group of medical and public health professionals and interested community members, has facilitated public health initiatives and provided critical support during health emergencies in Virginia Beach; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps was established in 2002 and is organized locally through the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health; the volunteer efforts and expertise of its members helped save the city more than $130,000 in 2022–2023; and

WHEREAS, over the course of its history, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps has supported countless health services events; in recent years, the organization has provided assistance for incoming refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan, facilitated first aid and water distribution at local marathons, and staffed a recovery center in the aftermath of a tornado; and

WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps became synonymous with knowledge, professionalism, and efficiency in vaccination clinic logistics and operations; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps pioneered a unique clinic design incorporating a separate "pharmacy" for drawing vaccines to be administered by volunteer vaccinators in a different area; the concept increased efficiency and was adopted in other parts of the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, as a regional leader in COVID-19 vaccination clinics, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps received the National Community Preparedness and Resilience Recognition Award from the Medical Reserve Corps network in 2022; and

WHEREAS, between July 2022 and June 2023, 254 volunteers from the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps contributed a total of 4,477 service hours during 321 different events for COVID-19, flu, and other vaccine clinics, including back-to-school events for local children; and

WHEREAS, through its vaccination efforts, the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps has built strong relationships with churches, public schools, cultural centers, universities, and marginalized communities, creating a strong foundation of trust and promoting a better understanding of health care needs; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps for its contributions to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic and legacy of service in a variety of public health initiatives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Virginia Beach Medical Reserve Corps as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the organization's work to enhance the health and wellness of all Virginia Beach residents.