Keene State Assists First Responders and Patients During Pandemic

Keene State College Provides Facilities and Dining Service for First Responders and Patients if Needed During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Keene State College is committed to supporting our local and regional communities with use of our facilities during the pandemic, by serving as an alternate care site for first responders and patients as needed. The decision was made as part of the Regional Response Planning that is underway for the Monadnock region, which is served by Cheshire Medical Center. Collaboration for the effort also includes the City of Keene, Monadnock Community Hospital, Greater Monadnock Health Network, and New Hampshire National Guard.

The gymnasium in Spaulding Recreation Center is set up to provide capacity of up to 200 beds to be used in the case of a surge in cases of COVID-19. If needed, the space will be used by COVID-19 patients who can be cared for, and recover, outside of a hospital setting, and who need to remain in quarantine. Patients could stay in the facility from one to 16 days. In addition, some residence halls are open to medical providers and first responders needing respite. Dining services will be made available to people during their stay on our campus.

Keene State is proud to serve our community by making our campus open to those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic if the spaces are needed. When it has been determined that there is no longer need for the facilities, all buildings will be prepared for use by our college community again.