Wexner Medical Center thanks Ohio National Guard as service ends

COLUMBUS, Ohio – As COVID-19 case numbers decline, the invaluable assistance that the Ohio National Guard has provided to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center will begin to cycle down and end on Friday, Feb. 11. Our organization will be forever thankful to the members of the Guard who unselfishly committed their time and energy to provide support to our patients, their families and our staff during the recent Omicron surge. 

 

Over the last five weeks, more than 200 Ohio National Guard members have quietly and efficiently worked alongside hospital staff. They were a key part of the CAS COVID-19 testing site, spending hours in the cold helping to process thousands of tests. They have helped on the front lines in clinical areas such as the emergency department and as sitters at the bedside on nursing units. They served in many non-clinical roles including environmental services, nutrition services and patient transportation.

 

Patients, staff and faculty have repeatedly remarked on the positive impact the National Guard presence has made. Cody Harden, a sous chef at the medical center, said, “I want to thank the National Guard members I have had in my service. I appreciate all your hard work and your ability to adapt in unfamiliar territory. It’s a big morale boost and we needed that this year. Thank you again!” 

 

Staff at the CAS COVID-19 testing site shared their gratitude, recalling how guard members were helpful, polite and put patients at ease. At least one guard member was heard singing to babies and young children as she tested them for COVID-19 and soothed them afterward.

 

The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center is grateful to Gov. Mike DeWine for providing this helpful resource when health systems needed it most. We also thank Adjutant General Major Gen. John C. Harris and the rest of the Ohio National Guard leadership for their partnership and collaboration during this pandemic surge. This video is just one expression of the hospital’s gratitude.  

 

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