ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — Baptist Health Hardin is getting a little help from the National Guard and AmeriCorps as the hospital continues to fight the COVID-19 virus. 

The overall 24 members will be helping out for the next two weeks with tasks suck as sanitation and foodservice. Assistant Vice President of Operations Steve White said the relief helps everyone involved. 

“We're trying to get them a little bit of help in between something to help them extend their ability to help provide safe patient care," said White. "So we are briging these folks in to help us in the ancillary and support areas so that we can bring in a little bit of relief.” 

Lt. Bradley Domer has been in the National Guard for seven years and said this is his first mission at a hospital. Orientation started Sept. 13 with Sept. 14 being the first day of work. Domer said the assignment came quickly as did the work.

“We had to get everything done last minute and get everyone down here," said Domer. "Thanks to their help, we managed to get everything done in one day and had orientation complete and had them working the next day."

Although the groups are scheduled for two weeks, there is a possibility that they could stay longer if need be. AmeriCorps member Caitlyn Keecher is looking forward to the challenge as well but knows the

real heroes are inside. 

"It's going to be logistical work and support for the nurses and doctors who have more important roles dealing with patients and being able to help them to the best of their abilities," said Keecher. "So we are here to help them with things they might not have time for." 

COVID patients at the hospital are currently in the triple digits, according to White, but the hospital is prepared with extra ICU beds just in case. 

"At Baptist Health Hardin, we normally have 20 ICU beds," said White. "We are currently prepared for 40 plus and all of that is due to our emergency management plans."

White said he is thankful to the state for the help and looks forward to working with all involved.