GRH activates HICS due to community-wide COVID-19 surge in cases and announces community-wide testing event
Contact: Mardi Ford
LA GRANDE – Today, Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics activated our Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) under our emergency operations planning due to the current surge of COVID-19 cases in our community.
We have been monitoring our daily census and bed capacity needs closely, as well as the statewide shortage of testing supplies. Both situations are presenting logistical challenges and causing strain on our capacity to serve our community.
Under Incident Command, we have been working with our local partners at Union County Emergency Management Services and our Public Health Department for assistance from the Oregon Health Authority for a mass community testing event for Union County. We have just confirmed that there is a FREE community-wide testing event now scheduled.
Where: Bi-Mart parking lot
When: Friday, 8/27 and every Tuesday beginning 8/31 and Tuesdays through September
Time: 10am-3pm
Who: Asymptomatic and symptomatic will both be tested with the PCR viral test
Pre-registration is highly recommended, but not required. To register, visit DoINeedaCovid19Test.com to search for testing events throughout Oregon. First click the “Register” button and create a new user account if it is your first time using the site. Once your account is created, you can schedule an appointment at the Bi-Mart event in Union County.
A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, is a viral test that tells you if you currently have COVID-19. It is a quick and simple test, often taking just a few seconds to administer. After you attend your event, you will be able to access your account to review your test results or be notified by OHA.
As we manage the current surge, we cannot emphasize enough how important it is to follow the OHA guidelines for your protection and for that of your loved ones. Seek care when you are ill, but stay home if you do not need hospitalization, and take care of yourself as your trusted health care provider advises.
###
Grande Ronde Hospital and Clinics is a state and nationally recognized and award winning not-for-profit health system that includes a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital and 12 outpatient clinics. We are located in Union County, Oregon, serving our base population of more than 25,000 residents, as well as providing services for the greater Eastern Oregon region. Since 1907, Grande Ronde Hospital has led this region in efforts to stabilize and secure rural health care services for the communities we serve, while also working to improve the quality of life of all our residents. Today we employ more than 700 people, all dedicated to providing quality health care services to our patients. We offer a broad range of diagnostic, surgical and therapeutic outpatient services, a Level IV Trauma Emergency Services Department, a Family Birthing Center; Physical, Occupational and Speech Rehabilitation Therapy and Sports Medicine Services, and Home Care Services providing both home health and hospice care needs. We also operate 12 primary and specialty care clinics: the Cardiology Clinic, the Dermatology Clinic, the Elgin Clinic, the Hematology & Oncology Clinic, the Neurology Clinic, the Regional Medical Clinic, the Sleep Clinic, the Specialty Clinic (General Surgery, Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Otolaryngology (ENT), Podiatry, Rheumatology, and Urology), Urgent Care, the Wound Care Clinic, the Union Clinic, and the Women’s & Children’s Clinic (Gynecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics). For more information, please visit www.grh.org.