Family Health Centers of Georgia offers free COVID-19 testing

The Family Health Centers of Georgia, Inc. (FHCGA), a federally qualified health center, opened its COVID-19 drive-thru testing site on April 15.

“It’s been a struggle to gain access to COVID-19 tests, but we will not give up the fight,” said Dr. Michael W. Brooks, FHCGA President and CEO.

FHCGA’s COVID-19 testing is free and offered to anyone who lives in the metropolitan Atlanta area and meets nationally-recognized testing criteria.

FHCGA said it is following CDC recommendations for protecting patients, visitors and staff.

Brooks said that FHCGA serves 26,000 patients annually; 87% of whom are African American and 32% are uninsured.

“We know the communities we serve in the metro Atlanta area are disproportionately at a higher risk of death from COVID-19 infection due to pre-existing chronic conditions, lack of access to care and living in high density areas where social distancing is more challenging,” Brooks said.  “We also know they make up a high percentage of the population who works in Atlanta’s hospitality, retail, sports, and entertainment industries that were hit hard with COVID-19 related closures and staff reductions.”

People who are experiencing cough, fever, shortness of breath, sore throat, body aches, loss of taste, or diarrhea should call the Patient Coronavirus Information Line at 1-800-935-6721 for an evaluation of their need for testing and get scheduled. Testing will not be performed without a confirmed COVID-19 testing appointment.  We are keeping records of every inquiry and will continue to work hard to get more tests.

FHCGA is maintaining regular office hours Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at  its locations in Fulton and Cobb counties. Anyone who needs primary healthcare can call 404-752-1400 to schedule an office or telehealth appointment.