National Guard preparing to leave Brighton Rehab

BEAVER, Pa. — It took big changes at Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness to make a difference inside the facility: bringing in the National Guard and the state appointed a new manager.

The facility is the site of the state’s largest COVID-19 outbreak. 76 residents have died from coronavirus complications there.

“We had 40 soldiers, service members from the Air National Guard and Army National Guard. We worked in cooperation with Brighton,” Capt. David Boyles said.

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Boyles said his teams worked hand in hand with nurses, aides and cleaning staff. 12 medically trained members helped with patient care. The team made a difference in only one week.

“We’ve been in 10 different homes. Six ended in less than a week. We continue to push forward to service our communities any way we can,” he said.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health said the majority of coronavirus cases are now in long term care facilities, and that it is doing all it can to fight for a vulnerable population.

Nearly 78% of all COVID-19 deaths in Allegheny Co. are in long-term care facilities Nearly 78% of all COVID-19 deaths in Allegheny Co. are in long-term care facilities

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