What to expect with GuardCare

The Ohio Adjutant General's Department and the Ohio Department of Health have created a unique partnership to allow Ohio National Guard medical personnel to provide free health services in Ohio communities while providing training and professional development opportunities for members of the National Guard. The Ohio National Guard initiated the GuardCare program in 1995 after Congress authorized the use of National Guard personnel in medically under-served communities under its Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) program.

The Chief of the National Guard Bureau enters into an agreement with Ohio's Governor and state or county health departments or other service agencies to carry out two weekend-long GuardCare events. Services are typically provided by more than 70 certified doctors, dentists and qualified health care personnel who serve in the Guard one weekend a month and two weeks per year.

Services typically provided

Services typically provided include: All medical screenings, Physicals, Complete Blood Counts, Pap Smears/Cervical Examinations, Prostate Specific Antigen Tests, Examinations, Blood Sugar Screenings, Dental Examinations/Screenings, Cholesterol Screenings, Vision and Glaucoma Testing

GuardCare events would not be possible without the contributions of local health service professionals and community service providers. The Ohio National Guard and numerous other community-based organizations partner to design these services to support and assist local health care providers. They are not designed to replace them. GuardCare is a clear example of how the military is applying wartime assets for the good of U.S. citizens by closing the gap for those who need health care and cannot afford it.

Guardcare Fast Facts

What?
Free health services.

Who?
For all Ohio residents; no income requirements or restrictions.

When?
GuardCare occurs over a weekend during the summer months.

Where?
Medically under-served counties determined by the Ohio Department of Health.

How?
Through a unique partnership between the Ohio National Guard, state and local health departments and numerous other county and city service agencies.