Members of the Oregon National Guard will be deployed to Good Shepherd Medical Center on Monday as part of a statewide effort to support frontline health care workers in the face of surge in hospitalizations due to rapid spread of the Omicron variant.
Gov. Kate Brown last week announced she will be deploying up to 500 Oregon National Guard members to hospitals around the state.
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This week, an initial 125 Guard members were deployed to hospitals around the state to provide needed logistical support as materials handlers and equipment runners, as well as assisting with COVID-19 testing and other necessary non-clinical services to support hospital operations.
Caitlin Cozad, communications director for Good Shepherd, said six Guard members will arrive at the hospital on Monday.
The Oregon Health Authority and Oregon National Guard will continue to work with the hospital systems to monitor ongoing need and determine additional deployments as necessary.
“With more than 500 current hospitalizations and daily record-breaking numbers of COVID-19 cases, we are at another critical point in this pandemic — and the Oregon National Guard is stepping up again to assist,” said Brown. “I would like to thank the employers of our Guard members — we cannot call upon these hardworking Guard members without your sacrifice and support as well. While Guard members work to support our frontline health care workers, I am asking all Oregonians to continue to do your part to help. Get vaccinated, get boosted, wear your masks, and stay home when you are sick.”
