INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana National Guard was activated March 17, by Governor Eric Holcomb to help the state’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Gen. R. Dale Lyles with the Indiana National Guard says that means they’ll be working with the Department of Transportation to help distribute medical equipment and supplies to Indiana hospitals that have urgent needs.

He said they are also involved in critical planning meetings with state agency leaders to help determine the needs of the state and how they can support Indiana communities.

“This means that Indiana’s thousands of guardsmen stand ready to help the state respond to the Coronavirus outbreak,” said Lyles. “We are citizen soldiers and airmen and we are here to help during these trying times, while providing any support we can to the COVID-19 pandemic response.”