National Guard Called To Help Hospitals Through Latest COVID-19 Surge

Throughout the latest surge in the COVID-19 battle, dozens of National Guard members worked alongside frontline caregivers at University Hospitals Parma Medical Center. In scrubs and combat boots, they assisted in the Emergency Department, COVID units, transporting patients, cleaning rooms and making beds, restocking supplies and other duties as needed.

Gov. Mike DeWine called up the National Guard to deploy to busy hospitals just after Christmas. UH Parma Medical Center welcomed 43 members of the Army National Guard and Air National Guard in three different waves. A dozen UH hospitals across Northeast Ohio received help from the National Guard.

Nurses, doctors, hospital leaders and staff from Dietary, Environmental Services, Transport, Admitting and other areas arranged multiple clap-outs to cheer their new colleagues as they departed for their home bases after their tour of duty. Caregivers’ held handmade signs displaying their thanks: “National Guard: Thanks for coming to our rescue!” “Thank you for your service!” “Forever grateful” and “Thank You Angels in Camo.”

Guard members were called over to take pictures with the teams they supported. “We couldn’t have asked for a better place to work,” said one Guardsman. “We appreciate your hospitality,” added another. “We felt very welcome here.”

CJ Sheppard

Senior Communications Strategist, University Hospitals Parma Medical Center

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Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 7:59 AM, 02.01.2022