LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan National Guard (MING) is deploying almost 300 additional members to expand its COVID-19 response force for vaccination and testing efforts across the state.
Beginning Jan. 24, the MING deployed three additional task forces to assist the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local health departments.
The surge of Soldiers and Airmen will be assigned to specific regions of the state, including northern Michigan, mid-Michigan, western Michigan and southeast Michigan. The MING is augmenting local health departments, as requested, in administering the vaccine in clinics.
“The availability of a COVID-19 vaccine is exciting as this allows us to go on the offensive against this ruthless disease,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “This will help reduce the risk and safeguard Michiganders during this pandemic.”
Throughout 2020, the men and women of the Michigan National Guard stepped up to support their neighbors.
“As 2021 begins, we are doubling down on our commitment to the safety of Michigan communities by doing everything we can to make this vaccine as accessible as possible,” said Rogers.
The additional 50 COVID-19 vaccination and testing teams (CVTT) on task forces North, Bronco and Red Lion will each consist of one medic and two administrative people. They will join Task Force Spartan to ensure Michigan health care agencies have the personnel to deliver the vaccine in their communities. CVTTs will be supporting individual teams in some locations and setting up entire mass vaccination clinics where requested.
“We are here to help the state where asked,” said Rogers. “From the city of Detroit to the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula, the Michigan National Guard will continue to assist our communities in this very important mission.”
Michigan has started Phase 1B of its vaccination plan, which includes those over age 65. As more of the population is eligible for vaccinations, the need for additional support administering the doses has increased. As of Jan. 23, the Michigan National Guard has administered almost 32,000 vaccinations to Michiganders.