The Michigan National Guard has teamed up with District Health Department 4 as COVID-19 testing continues throughout the state.
"There's been a need in Alpena County for a testing site like this," Matthew Radocy, the emergency preparedness coordinator for District Health Department 4, said. "We have had people asking for it, It's good public health, and it allows us to serve the community to let people know to answer their questions if they have it or not."
Radocy said the department has two testing sites in Alpena, but they require a doctor's order. "There are residents who don't meet the criteria to get tested, so when the opportunity came up to offer free testing to the community, we took advantage of it," he added, noting that free testing can be enticing to residents as they look for ways for quick and easy testing.
It's nice to work with Michiganders and help the people of our state, and I especially enjoy working with the Michigan Guard."
Matthew Radocy, emergency preparedness coordinator, Michigan District Health Department 4
"The residents are probably more open to the drive-thru testing because they don't have to pay for it," Army Spc. Bethany Gurnee, with the Michigan Army National Guard, said. "It's a simple process right in their community, so they don't have to go to a medical facility and can have it done right here. They don't want to go back to their families and potentially get family members sick so being able to do this lets them know if they have it."
Public health and the Guard share a genetic trait and that is supporting local communities, she added.
"One of the reasons I joined the Guard is because I wanted to work and help people within the communities and doing this allows me to do that," Gurnee said. "It feels amazing being able to help people."
Radocy shared similar thoughts.
"One of the things I love about public health is being able to serve the community I live and work in," Radocy said. "It's nice to work with Michiganders and help the people of our state, and I especially enjoy working with the Michigan Guard."
(Air Force Master Sgt. David Eichaker is assigned to the Michigan Air National Guard.)