Rose Announces National Guard to Assist Brooklyn VA with COVID-19 Testing

Statement

Congressman Max Rose announced today that following his efforts, the New York National Guard's 24th Civil Support Team has deployed two Mobile Testing Units to the Brooklyn VA Medical Center to help supplement the VA's efforts testing of veterans and staff.

"No matter the challenge, the National Guard has continued to rise to the occasion and do what's necessary to complete the mission, and this is no exception," said Rose, a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. "Bringing these Mobile Testing Units to the Brooklyn VA will help ensure all the veterans and staff are able to get the tests they need. I can't thank the leadership of the Brooklyn VA and National Guard enough for working with us to make this happen and ensure no one is left behind."

Each Mobile Testing Unit can conduct up to 100 tests per day. This added capacity will supplement the Brooklyn VA's current testing capabilities, helping ensure all veterans and staff have access to testing.

"The VA has done so much for our veterans that it's an honor to be able to assist in this way so the VA can continue their mission of service," said Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Couchman of the New York National Guard's 24th Civil Support Team. "I thank Congressman Rose for his assistance as well as senior leaders in the New York National Guard."

Over the past few weeks, Rose has continued to work with leadership from the National Guard and Brooklyn VA to coordinate and implement this deployment, including writing in a letter to New York State's National Guard leadership, "I write today to urge you to consider that the two available New York State National Guard Mobile Testing Units at Fort Hamilton Army Base in my district be mobilized to serve a public safety mission of providing COVID-19 testing to veterans and staff of the Brooklyn Veterans' Affairs (VA) Hospital in my district and VA facilitates throughout New York City."

Rose has been a leader in fighting to expand testing access and capabilities on Staten Island and in South Brooklyn. Yesterday, Rose announced that in partnership with Governor Cuomo, AdvantageCare Physicians has begun COVID-19 testing and diagnostics at three new locations in Bay Ridge and on Staten Island. Rose also helped secure critical approvals and equipment which allowed Brooklyn-based Lenco Diagnostic Laboratories to begin COVID-19 antibody testing. Additionally, Rose helped secure rapid testing machines and necessary supplies for Richmond University Medical Center (RUMC), and after urging by Rose, the Governor opened the first drive-through testing facility in New York City on Staten Island.

Rose, a Captain in the National Guard, deployed for two weeks with the National Guard last month to assist in the coronavirus response where he helped set up a COVID-only emergency hospital on Staten Island.

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