AARP Indiana on Governor Holcomb's decision to keep Indiana National Guard deployed to long-term care facilities

Dan Helrigel

INDIANAPOLIS – Today AARP Indiana State Director Sarah Waddle released the following statement regarding Governor Eric Holcomb’s announcement Tuesday that the Indiana National Guard would remain deployed to long-term care facilities.

“We have seen throughout this past year the devastating toll that COVID-19 has had on residents of long-term care facilities. These Hoosiers represent more than 50 percent of the state’s COVID-19 deaths, and it’s a continuing tragedy that is impacting not only the residents and their families, but also the staff members who have been on the front lines of this pandemic.

“Inadequate staffing for long-term facilities was a challenge before COVID-19 and it has been exacerbated since the virus arrived. The deployment of the Indiana National Guard to long-term care facilities has been a huge asset as these men and women have given staff members some much-needed assistance. By recording data, helping with screening, testing, and infection control practices, staff are able to focus on direct care of the residents.

“With cases still high and the vaccine rollout beginning, it’s critical that the Guard remain deployed and we are thankful for Governor Holcomb’s decision to do just that. We also appreciate the continuing work by State Health Commissioner, Dr. Kristina Box, FSSA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Dan Rusyniak, and IDOH Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Lindsay Weaver, and the entire team of folks throughout the administration to focus on the challenges facing long-term care facilities.”

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About AARP AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. The Indiana office has been involved in issues affecting Hoosiers ages 50+, including spearheading legislation to assist family caregivers, working to promote ways to encourage retirement savings, and leading efforts to make our communities livable for people of all ages. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/in or follow @aarpindiana on Twitter and Facebook.