Partnerships Between the Air and Army National Guard and State and Local Health Departments During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the Air and Army National Guard's (NG) role during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Qualitative interviews were conducted with Air and Army National Guard (NG) medical service members and state and local health department (HD) staff who partnered with the NG during the pandemic. To ensure geographic and political diversity, participants were recruited from each of the 10 FEMA regions, including Republican, Democratic, and Swing states.

FINDINGS: From August 2023 to April 2024, 20 semistructured interviews were conducted across 10 states. Respondents described partnerships between states and the NG for medical and nonmedical support including COVID-19 testing, vaccination, medical supply distribution, and vulnerable population assistance. Respondents described an overall positive perception of the NG partnership and identified best practices to prepare for future emergencies.

CONCLUSIONS

The NG served as a force multiplier to increase the capacity of HDs. States that had previously trained with the NG were better prepared to collaborate during the response.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS: This study highlights the essential assistance the NG provides to HDs during a public health emergency and provides best practices for future partnerships.