KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Family Health Center (FHS) has announced that they will be hosting testing for COVID-19 starting this Friday.
The announcement comes as the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is announcing expanded testing state-wide.
FHC will host its first drive-thru testing on Friday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stones Church, located at 1225 W. Paterson Street.
Depending on the demand, future testing may happen elsewhere in Kalamazoo County in the coming weeks.
Citizens looking to get tested must call (269)-488-0804 for a pre-test evaluation, including a phone consultation with a physician to get a doctor’s order for the test. The number can also be called during normal business hours with questions about the testing.
FHC is among 13 new or expanded drive-thru testing operations across Michigan announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“Family Health Center is committed to quality health care for every person. In the face of this global pandemic, that mission is more important than ever,” President & CEO Denise Crawford said. “We’re honored that Gov. Whitmer chose FHC to play this vital role in addressing a critical health need.”
Crawford adds that citizens will be tested for COVID-19 without leaving their vehicles. Those being tested will need to bring their driver’s license or personal identification. FHC staff in personal protection gear will be onsite to guide individuals through the process.
It takes between 10 and 14 minutes to go through testing, and FHC will contact individuals with results in 24 to 48 hours.
A new commercial laboratory in Grand Rapids will be able to analyze up to 3,000 tests per day from across the state, increasing Michigan’s daily average number of results by about 40%.
“The State of Michigan is working with our healthcare partners to step up COVID-19 testing,” Gov. Whitmer said. “Better access to testing and quicker results are critical to our public health officials who are fighting coronavirus and to our residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 and need answers, treatment and peace of mind. More testing will save lives.”
Michigan’s testing priority criteria include those who are:
- Hospitalized patients
- Symptomatic healthcare workers
- Patients in congregate facilities with symptoms, including those at long-term care of elderly living facilities, jails or prisons, homeless shelters, residential foster-care facilities, and other group living settings
- Patients age 65 and older with symptoms
- Patients with underlying conditions with symptoms
- First responders with symptoms
- Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms
Crawford also reminds residents to continue social distancing, including following Michigan’s stay-at-home order and maintaining six feet of space from others when travel is necessary.
A livestreamed press conference will also be held Wednesday at 12 p.m., which will be hosted by Crawford. The public will be able to ask questions about the new testing process.
The stream can be viewed at the following links:
Facebook Livestream: https://www.facebook.com/fhckzoo
Shareable link: https://vimeo.com/407733173
