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STONECERST–RoweDocs and MAJL Laboratories will host a free, drive-thru COVID-19 testing site on the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church campus on Saturday, June 6. Testing begins at 11 a.m. and concludes at 3 p.m. Individuals who do not have insurance, or receive Medicaid or Medicare coverage are encouraged to participate.
“It is evident based on initial outcome data minority individuals are not being tested early enough to prevent premature death related to COVID-19. Due to the lengthy history of discrimination in the healthcare industry, minorities are reasonably wary of unconscious bias and outright racism that may impact the quality care they receive,” said Dr. Tisa Rowe OF RoweDocs. “It is imperative we offer care through trusted community-based organizations to minimize the mortality gap and eliminate healthcare disparities surrounding COVID. By offering free telemedicine services and drive-thru testing we are ensuring everyone truly has access to testing and ongoing medical care.”
New Birth Senior Pastor Jamal Bryant said he is thankful for the community-based partnerships to provide testing for COVID19 testing.
“In Georgia, African Americans have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-10 pandemic, with reports suggesting that 80% of those hospitalized are minorities. As our death toll continues to increase daily, it is imperative that we do all we can to combat this disease,” said Bryant. “We were able to test nearly 2,000 people during our last COVID-19 outreach event at New Birth. There is still a need for testing in our community and I am thankful for our partnerships that enable us to provide this valuable resource at absolutely no cost.”
No registration is required. All interested individuals should enter through the Evans Mill Road or Lithonia Industrial Boulevard entrances.
Medical partners will administer COVID-19 tests during the Saturday event with a hope to encourage families to repurpose the day with a focus on health and wellness. The drive-thru testing site will consist of multiple medical stations, staffed by medical professionals and volunteers. At each station, clinical professionals will administer the COVID-19 tests and individuals with positive test results will be consulted by RoweDocs for additional medical treatment.