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Michigan National Guard helps communities offer
no-cost COVID-19 testing at six new sites
LANSING, MICH. The Michigan National Guard will continue its partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan State Police, and local health departments to offer COVID-19 testing this weekend in the communities of Holland, Ferndale, Battle Creek, Sturgis, Allegan, and Petoskey.
These drive-through sites will be offering tests at no cost to the public both Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7.
"Expanded testing is a critical component of our MI Safe Start plan to re-engage Michigan's economy," said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. "We have significantly expanded our testing eligibility criteria so that most people are eligible to receive a test, and for these sites you do not need a doctor’s order. We appreciate the Michigan National Guard members who are stepping up to make this testing available. If you will be in these communities over the weekend, please reach out to obtain a test."
The Michigan National Guard has more than 50 trained testing teams ready to assist, of which 21 are currently assigned to support the community testing mission. These three-member teams include a certified medic to conduct the testing and two members to assist with paperwork, logistics, and non-medical tasks. All team members from the Michigan National Guard have tested negative for COVID-19 and have been following strict medical protocols to ensure health and safety and to protect Michigan communities.
“Michigan National Guard members come from these communities, we live, work, and raise our families here,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Rogers, Adjutant General and Director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We are proud to work alongside our state and local partners to serve our neighbors and keep our communities safe.
Locations for each testing site include:
Allegan
Allegan County Health Services
3255 122nd Ave. Allegan, MI 49010
Saturday Only: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Battle Creek
Kellogg Community College Field House
450 North Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017
Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Holland
West Ottawa High School
3600 152nd Ave. Holland, MI 49424
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Sunday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Ferndale
Royal Oak Twp Recreation Department
21272 Mendota Ave. Ferndale, MI 48220
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Petoskey
Odawa Casino
1760 Lears Rd. Petoskey, MI 49770
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sturgis
Doyle Community Center
310 N. Franks Ave. Sturgis, MI 49091
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
These drive-through testing sites will feature additional resources, such as information for those interested in joining the Michigan National Guard and resources for veterans.
The MING has been actively engaged in the state’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic through widespread testing and screening, distribution of personal protective equipment, and assistance at numerous food banks across the state. The community testing initiative is a continuation of those efforts.
Similar testing was held in Flint and Muskegon Heights over Memorial Day weekend and again last weekend in Albion, Flint Midland, Mackinaw City, Traverse City, and Westland.
Locations for alternate test sites can be found at https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/0,9753,7-406-98189---,00.html.
For photos of COVID-19 testing in Muskegon, click here: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6221059/michigan-national-guard-supports-successful-free-covid-19-testing-muskegon-heights-residents.
Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.
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Media contact: Capt. Andrew Layton, 517-940-0881
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