Photo By Tech. Sgt. Kasey Phipps | Oklahoma Army National Guard Sgt. Aaron Moore (right), a combat medic/healthcare...... read more read more
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OKLAHOMA CITY - Oklahoma National Guardsmen have been working with healthcare providers in their communities for more than a month in an effort to support Oklahoma’s whole-of-government response to COVID-19.
At the Oklahoma State Fair Park, in Oklahoma City, Service members from the Oklahoma National Guard acted as runners for nurses with the Oklahoma City County Health Department at an appointment-only testing facility, April 28, 2020. The nurses have tested more than 3,500 Oklahomans since March 25.
For the last two weeks of that, Guardsmen have been responsible for packaging and labeling the test swabs for another Oklahoma National Guard team to pick up and deliver to the Oklahoma State University Diagnostic Laboratory.
“It's important because it just shows how civilians and the Guard can work together and work as a community, because the Guard is in our community and they represent us,” said Lynnda Parker, critical operations manager at the Oklahoma City County Health Department and testing site manager. “They're all awesome, and they're really willing to help with anything. They stepped right in after just a few minutes… and have just been part of the team ever since.”
The Guardsmen were able to use their military training to work alongside frontline nurses and help their fellow Oklahomans.
“It does feel really good,” said Spc. Azmorea Herring, combat medic/healthcare specialist with the 120th Engineer Battalion, 90th Troop Command. “I like to give back to my community. That's part of why I joined the Oklahoma National Guard … [The nurses] are very forgiving and very patient with all the members of our community, and I want to be like them. One day I'm going to school to be a nurse, so I can't wait to give back more to my state.”
Testing at the fairgrounds is open Monday - Friday for those with a doctor’s referral.
| Date Taken: | 04.28.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 05.01.2020 15:48 |
| Story ID: | 368997 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 110 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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