COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio National Guard has assembled teams to help collect COVID-19 tests at long-term care facilities.
Teams of medically qualified personnel are supporting the Ohio Department of Health in this endeavor.
“We must get a clearer picture of how extensive this virus is at long-term care facilities,” Gov. DeWine said. “With the help of the Ohio National Guard, we will be increasing our testing in an effort to protect our most vulnerable citizens and control the spread of the virus.”
Similar to the new medical testing mission, the Ohio National Guard is currently providing medical support to Carlin House Assisted Living Center in Logan, Ohio. The service members are providing short-term support at the facility due to staffing shortages related to COVID-19.
In addition, last weekend, the Ohio National Guard completed a one-day mission supporting the Ohio Department of Veterans Services with medical personnel who collected COVID-19 tests at the Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown.
“Our members continue to step up at a moment’s notice to answer the call to serve,” said Maj. Gen. John C. Harris Jr., Ohio adjutant general. “Our state is looking to the Ohio National Guard to help and we will not let them down.”
There have been more than 900 Ohio National Guard and Ohio Military Reserve members who have served their communities during the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Missions have included supporting humanitarian efforts at 14 local food banks and regional warehouses, collecting personal protective equipment, collaborating with regional partners to identify and develop alternate care sites to expand medical capacity, and augmenting medical and operational staff at prisons.
