BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
For nearly 110 years, the building know today as the Hart-Dole-Inouye Federal Center has been part of the Battle Creek, Michigan, skyline.
The building has a long history of service and with the outbreak of COVID-19, the echoes of that history are now coming to light. At the start of the 20th Century the building was known locally as “The Sans.” It was a place of healing.
When the 1918 influenza pandemic spread around the planet it was Dr. John H. Kellogg writings from “The Sans” that offered advice on treatment during the pandemic. The doctor said in part to drink plenty of liquids, rest and to keep distance from others. He also offered advice on how to treat the fever.
Today in the face of a new pandemic, the current residents of the building are now taking up the torch from Dr. Kellogg to help.
The DLA Disposition Services team is not offering medical advice, they are distributing excess military equipment to help first responders and medical personnel meet the rising need.
This is not a new mission, when natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy hit or rivers flood a community or wildfires rage out of control, first responders often use equipment they have attained from DLA Disposition Services to respond to the call.
Now former military trucks are moving various supplies including excess tents, masks and medical equipment that are being used in and around hospitals, many of which were acquired from DLA Disposition Services.