Fisher-Titus to receive assistance from Ohio National Guard

NORWALK — The Ohio National Guard is set to arrive at Fisher-Titus on Friday to assist with the increased demand of testing for COVID-19. Ten members of the Ohio National Guard will be on hand for two weeks to assist with testing support such as drive-thru COVID-19 swabbing, documentation, order entry and registration. "Like many facilities in Ohio, we are feeling the impact of the increase in the number of people who are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need to get tested.," said Brent Burkey, MD, president and CEO of Fisher-Titus. "On average through the holiday season, we have doubled the number of daily COVID-19 tests performed, peaking out on some days at nearly 200 tests." Burkey stated that there is clearly a need for increased testing appointment times. "With the assistance of the Ohio National Guard, we are able to expand appointment hours and availability to our community; something we know is so desperately needed," he said. "We are grateful to have members of the Ohio National Guard serving alongside our staff in to help us get through the next couple of weeks." Burkey stated that at the end of the two-week period, Jan. 21, Fisher-Titus will evaluate if the additional resources are needed. "We will be able to let the Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Hospital Association know if we will continue to need testing assistance from the Ohio National Guard as well as if we feel we need additional resources in other areas of the facility," he said. Appointment testing hours at Fisher-Titus are now offered from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. A provider referral is not needed for testing. To schedule an appointment for COVID-19 testing, visit FisherTitus.org/schedule or call 419-660-2646. To learn more about how Fisher-Titus has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit FisherTitus.org/coronavirus.