by Benjamin Konuch, Student Public Relations Writer
The Ohio National Guard will offer GuardCare, a readiness training program, to assist medically under-served communities on Saturday, Aug. 10 and Sunday, Aug. 11 at the Greene County Career Center. The free-of-charge event is being sponsored by Greene County Public Health and supported by Dr. Angelia Mickle, Cedarville University Dean of the School of Nursing.
GuardCare provides experience for enlisted members of the Ohio National Guard for when they are deployed to a disaster or emergency. Their services for Ohio residents include free dental care, lab work, mental health screenings, physical therapy, sports physicals and vaccinations for all ages. GuardCare will also connect attendees with healthcare providers from the county that can continue to care for needs after the two-day event.
GuardCare will also feature a section dedicated to spiritual health and the mental and emotional benefits that religious involvement can have. Caring Partners International is taking the lead in this session.
The Ohio National Guard will provide the workforce and staffing, but they will partner with Greene County Public Health in the execution of the GuardCare event. This is the first year GuardCare has been provided in Ohio since the COVID pandemic and the first time ever in Greene County.
Mickle serves on the board for Greene County Public Health. Through her connections as the Dean of the School of Nursing at Cedarville University, and an enlisted Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard, she contributed to the event's planning and organizing.
“As soon as I heard there was going to be a GuardCare event in Greene County, I went to my unit stationed in Columbus — the 121st — and asked if we could be involved,” said Mickle. “While the 178th Unit would be the one driving the event, we were able to join in a support role and contribute during planning meetings.”
While many members of Greene County Public Health worked tirelessly to plan the event, raise donations and connect with local healthcare providers for post-event referrals, Mickle was grateful to be able to use her military experience to aid in making this event a reality.
“Greene County Public Health has done so much work to apply for GuardCare and ensure that the event can take place, including serving as the partners and hosts for this event,” said Mickle. “I was just grateful to be able to help as a resident of Greene County who also has experience both in the medical field and in the military. I’m honored to have had even a small part in this.”
The event has the support of Ohio’s top leaders, including Governor Mike DeWine, who is expected to visit.
“This event will be such a good service for our community and will help make valuable connections,” said Mickle. “Some people don’t have health insurance, and some people don’t know where to go for services. There’s going to be so many booths and resources that can connect people with what they need. We’ll have check-ups, physicals, vaccines and so much more, and what’s even more exciting is that we’ve fostered relationships with providers from Greene County who can continue these services once GuardCare ends.”