150 National Guard members arriving in Bend to help St. Charles with COVID impacts

(Update: Hospital announcement)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Starting at 8 a.m. Thursday, 150 members of the Oregon National Guard will begin to arrive at the Guard Armory at 875 SW Simpson Avenue to prepare for their assignments at St. Charles’ hospitals.

The Guard members, who are coming from all corners of the state, will support the four-hospital health system in non-clinical roles, including screening patients and visitors at entrances, running and stocking supplies, preparing and serving food and assisting patients in roles that do not require licensure.

“We are tremendously grateful for the Oregon National Guard members who are leaving their jobs and families to answer our hospitals’ call for help,” said Joe Sluka, St. Charles’ president and CEO. “While they will not be providing bedside care to patients, they are going to be bridging gaps in staffing elsewhere in the system that are critical to our operations.”

Members of the Guard — which has initially committed to supporting St. Charles through Sept. 30 — will start working throughout the health system on Friday, covering both day and night shifts. 

“It’s an honor to serve in our communities, when needed,” said Stephen Bomar, director of public affairs for the Oregon Military Department. “This wouldn’t be possible without the continued support of employers and loved ones.”

Gov. Kate Brown announced last week that beginning this Friday, an initial 500 Guard members (and eventually up to 1,500) 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.