CARSON CITY — Nevada National Guard officials say they’re witnessing history as Nevada National Guard soldiers and airmen integrate with civilian personnel from the Washoe County Health District to support sample collection efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Assigned to support sample collection at drive-thru testing sites, contact tracing, and call center and administrative functions, the Nevada Guard’s efforts are aimed at meeting Gov. Steve Sisolak’s directive for testing expansion.
About 30 medical support personnel from the Nevada Guard are on hand at the Washoe County location, which collects about 250-300 samples each day of the four days per week it’s open. Drive-thru, public collection sites allow for increased safety; staff are in full personal protective equipment (PPE) and residents can remain their vehicle. The process takes about 15 minutes and is only available to those who call 775-328-2427 or fill out a form here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/washoetravelersform.
“We are looking at other counties in the state to integrate our personnel,” said Maj. Laurie MacAfee, Nevada National Guard State Occupational Health Nurse. “The Washoe County Health District has done an incredible job. We are so impressed. We are supporting their process, which was already in place.”
MacAfee is set to meet with the Southern Nevada Health District, regional hospitals and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas this week for plans to assist in their sample collection efforts.
