DETROIT – About 20 members of the Michigan National Guard are helping the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) establish a federal medical station (FMS) at TCF Center.
Michigan National Guard members will assist with inventory of equipment and supplies at the FMS. The facility will be used for patients if area hospitals experience a surge in demand due to COVID-19. The FMS received by Michigan supports the 1,000-bed alternate care site at the TCF Center in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“The State of Michigan is thankful for the sustaining presence of the men and women of the Michigan National Guard as we continue our work to slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “The National Guard is a team of dedicated Michigan citizens invested as partners in navigating challenges that face our communities like COVID-19.”
“The decision to use the TCF Center for the federal medical station is absolutely necessary to protect the health of the residents of Michigan,” said Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan. “I fully support the governor’s leadership on this initiative.”
On March 30, President Trump authorized the use of Michigan National Guard members under Title 32, United States Code, section 502(f), granting Whitmer’s request for a formal mission assignment to order up to 3,000 members of the Michigan Army and Air National Guard for as many as 90 days to perform humanitarian missions across the state, such as helping run mobile screening facilities, distributing food and medical supplies, maintaining supply lines and disinfecting public spaces.
“Today’s Michigan National Guard, with its two readiness centers and more than 300 members that reside in the city limits, is a proud member of the community,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “The Michigan National Guard stands ready to support Detroit in its fight against COVID-19.”