Governor Kate Brown announced she will be deploying up to 1,500 Oregon National Guard members to support frontline health care workers as hospitals face a surge of hospitalizations due to the rapid spread of the Delta variant.
Beginning Aug. 20, an initial 500 Guard members will be deployed to hospitals around the state to provide logistical support as materials handlers and equipment runners, as well as assisting with COVID-19 testing and other necessary services to support hospital operations. The Guard is prepared to provide logistical support for more than 20 hospitals across the state.
St. Charles hospitals will be among those receiving support.
The health system is planning to meet with Guard leadership in anticipation of the arrival of 150 of its members on Aug. 20. Space at the hospitals will be dedicated to the Guard to set up and run its operations.
As the majority of the 72 Guard members do not have medical certifications, they are expected to support the hospital in other critical nonclinical roles.
“The stress on Oregon hospitals right now is truly unprecedented. Our resources are stretched woefully thin at the same time we are seeing a frightening rise in COVID cases,” said Joe Sluka, president and CEO of St. Charles Health System. “We are grateful for the Guard’s help. We look forward to welcoming its members on our hospital campuses to help see our health system through this public health crisis as we continue to work every possible avenue to secure more clinical resources to care for our patients at the bedside.”
