Camden Clark celebrates departing Guard members

PARKERSBURG -- More than 100 WVU Medicine Camden Clark staff members lined a corridor between the North and South towers of the hospital Friday to show their appreciation to the 12 members of the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard who have spent the last month-and-a-half working there.

Friday was the last day of the Guard’s support mission, which saw nearly 350 dispatched to 38 hospitals and health care facilities throughout the state.

“They’ve helped provide support everywhere from nursing units to dietary to security,” said Janice Midcap, WVU Medicine Camden Clark’s chief experience officer. “That’s really allowed us to continue doing what we do.

According to Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Liz King, members have done “anything and everything” to assist at the hospital since being stationed there in late January to provide aid during the COVID-19 surge caused by the highly contagious omicron variant.

King delivered oxygen throughout the hospital, while some of her fellow soldiers cleaned offices, interacted with patients at front desks, rolled silverware in napkins and sat with patients who couldn’t be left by themselves. Midcap said that work has been much appreciated.

“Our employees have just sung their praises,” she said.