BUCYRUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—Crawford County Public Health officials are celebrating the success of the recent GuardCare event, which delivered approximately $87,625 in no-cost healthcare services to local residents.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Ohio National Guard, the Ohio Department of Health, and Crawford County Public Health, served 462 individuals over a single weekend in August. Health Commissioner Kate Siefert reported that 351 of those served were Crawford County residents, ranging in age from infants to an 89-year-old.
“The goal is always to serve at least one percent of the county’s population, and we are proud to have met that benchmark,” Siefert said.
The event provided critical services that led to immediate life-saving interventions. According to Siefert, two individuals were transported to the hospital for hypertensive crises discovered during routine screenings, and one woman received an early breast cancer diagnosis that led to free treatment.
Dental services were the most utilized, with 419 patients receiving exams, X-rays, and a total of 73 tooth extractions. Other services included 118 immunizations, 47 free car seat distributions, and numerous vision screenings.
Due to the overwhelming success and community support in Bucyrus, the Ohio National Guard has requested to return to the region, with a future event already being planned for neighboring Richland County in 2027.