Helping Ohio’s hospitals | News, Sports, Jobs

When Gov. Mike DeWine ordered 1,250 members of the Ohio National Guard mobilized to help hospitals across the state, most of us were just beginning to understand the renewed strain on the healthcare system from COVID-19.

Although millions of people have been vaccinated and have even received a booster shot, the infection rate skyrocketed in recent months. With variants such as omicron speeding around the planet, vaccines have meant that fewer people are becoming seriously ill with the coronavirus, but large numbers of unvaccinated individuals still require hospitalization and intensive care.

After two years of battling this illness, our health care professionals are exhausted.

It now appears as though the deployment is making quite a difference.

In nearby Guernsey County, five Guard members are stationed at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center in Cambridge, serving as support staff.

“We appreciate the efforts of Gov. DeWine to deploy Ohio National Guard members across Ohio to assist hospitals including Southeastern Med,” said Wendy Elliott, Guernsey Health System president and CEO, according to a report by The Daily Jeffersonian.

In acknowledging her staff has been feeling the strain of the present surge, Elliott said “The support of the Ohio National Guard will provide a welcome relief and we’re very grateful to accept this resource.”

We owe our continued thanks to Guard members who are making a difference at our hospitals.