KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, the Kalamazoo County Health Department joined a statewide effort by the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) to test for COVID-19 in older adults living in nursing homes, as well as the staff caring for them.
This statewide testing endeavor, as announced last week, is in coordination with the Michigan State Police through the State Emergency Operations Center. The Michigan National Guard has also been enlisted to assist in the collection of specimen.
In Kalamazoo County, nine nursing homes will be tested with three sites conducting their own and the remaining six being conducted by National Guard members. Testing is offered to all residents and staff members of the skilled nursing facilities, with approximately 1500 people opting to participate today.
To date, Kalamazoo County has reported 51 deaths with 78% of those deaths occurring in congregate settings, such as long term care facilities.
“In our community, older adults living in facilities are the most vulnerable and have been impacted the hardest with COVID-19,” Kalamazoo County Health Officer Jim Rutherford said in a statement. “This collaboration is another example of how fortunate Kalamazoo County is to have the Area Agency on Aging IIIA within the local public health department. Our team was instrumental in the coordination between state partners and the nursing homes. We are grateful to the MDHHS, Michigan State Police, State Emergency Operations Center and the Michigan National Guard for allowing expanded testing for our older adults in facilities and the staff that care for them.”
This testing initiative provided by MDHHS is occurring in all 83 counties in Michigan. Along with Kalamazoo County, Ottawa County and Eaton County are also participating Wednesday.
“The Michigan National Guard is made up of men and women who strive to provide innovative solutions and performance excellence to the citizens of Michigan,” Department of Military and Veterans Affairs Director Paul Rogers said in a statement. “We look forward to continuing our support to communities, especially the most vulnerable populations.”
All team members have tested negative for COVID-19 and have been self-isolating in accordance with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance to ensure health and safety and to protect Michigan communities.
The latest COVID-19 information is available at www.michigan.gov/coronavirus, while information specific to Kalamazoo County can be found at www.kalcounty.com/hcs/covid19.php.
