An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

NEWS | April 16, 2020

PTF North, PEMA, DOH join together to setup hospital alternate location

By Sgt. 1st Class Matthew Keeler

Soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard assisted officials from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania Department of Health in establishing an alternate care site at East Stroudsburg University's Koehler Fieldhouse on April, 14, 2020.

With concerns of potential COVID-19 patients overwhelming local hospitals, locations like Koehler Fieldhouse were chosen to establish overflow facilities. In preparation, cots, privacy screens and other equipment were staged for operation.

More than 64 beds were set up at the facility with additional beds available if the need arises.

“To help take some relief of hospitals, we’re helping them setup tables, chairs and cots,” said Sgt. Joshua David, a combat medic with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.

Spc. Madison Macknosky, who was activated to state active duty in support of COVID-19 operations, said missions such as this are one of the reasons she enlisted in the Pennsylvania National Guard.

“Being on state active duty orders definitely gives me the opportunity to help other people and be a bigger part of the community,” said Macknosky, who is a combat medic with HHC, 337th Engineer Battalion. “And just to help out as much as I can."

High definition video can be downloaded here:  

High resolution photos can be downloaded here: