Up to 1,500 National Guard troops will be sent to 20 Oregon hospitals to help medical staff deal with a surge of COVID-19 cases.

St. Charles, Mercy, Asante and Providence networks are among the medical centers on the list to receive help.

Units of 500 Guard soldiers will be used to provide logistical support as materials handlers and equipment runners, COVID-19 testing and other support services.

The Oregon National Guard is prepared to provide logistical support for more than 20 hospitals across the state.

“This morning I received the grim news that there are 733 Oregonians hospitalized with severe cases of COVID-19, including 185 in intensive care units,” Brown said in a statement Friday afternoon. “I cannot emphasize enough the seriousness of this crisis for all Oregonians, especially those needing emergency and intensive care. When our hospitals are full with COVID-19 patients, there may not be room for someone needing care after a car crash, a heart attack, or other emergency situation.”

The National Guard includes nurses and others with medical training, though many are already working on the crisis in their civilian roles.