POCATELLO -- Portneuf Medical Center (PMC) extended a warm welcome to the Idaho National Guard as they arrive in Pocatello on Monday to help our community fight COVID-19.
Starting Tuesday, January 26, employees and patients of PMC were greeted and screened by some new faces. The Idaho National Guard will meet a critical role in our screening process to help minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the building and to provide much needed, temporary relief to our healthcare providers.
“We appreciate the support the Idaho National Guard will bring to our COVID-19 screening process,” says Jordan Herget, CEO of Portneuf Medical Center. “The specialized care required for COVID-19 patients has strained staffing and with the National Guard’s support, we can reallocate critical resources to providing patient care.”
“The Idaho National Guard is proud to assist the incredible staff and leadership of Idaho’s health districts across multiple fronts,” said Brig. Gen. Russ Johnson, director of the joint staff. “From COVID-19 testing and screening to essential distribution of food and daily staples, together we are making a positive impact in the lives of Idaho’s citizens.”
The Idaho National Guard represents your friends, family and neighbors coming together to support our communities. Together, we continue to encourage community members to wear a mask, avoid large gatherings, observe social distancing, practice good hand hygiene and prepare to receive a vaccine as they become available.