KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials with the Family Health Center (FHC) have released data from previous COVID-19 mobile testing sites as they are preparing to host new ones.
On Thursday, April 30, FHC hosted a mobile testing site at the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA). In total, 506 people were tested, with 477 (94%) tests coming back negative, 26 (5%) positive, and 3 inconclusive.
Another session was held at Comstock High School on Tuesday, with 167 people being tested. Results from this session are currently pending.
While the COVID-19 is ongoing, FHC has announced dates and locations for its next sessions.
- May 7 at Vicksburg High School from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- May 14 at Kalamazoo Central High School from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.
The same procedures apply to these sessions as the previous ones.
Those interested must first call the Family Health Center’s testing hotline at 269-488-0804 to register and provide some information about their health insurance. Then they will be transferred to one of the center’s licensed medical providers who will conduct a brief screening regarding exposure, COVID-19 symptoms, and their medical history.
The provider will then offer a lab requisition referral to set a date and time for the drive-up testing.
Individuals approved for testing will be directed to the site, where they will be able to get a nasal swab done by a physician and medical staff while remaining in their vehicle.
President and CEO of the Family Health Center Denise Crawford says the whole process from entering to test completion is averaging 10 to 12 minutes.
“This is truly a service and a resource for all of Kalamazoo County and it is available to anyone in the county who is appropriate and meets the screening criteria,” Crawford said.
The following explains who should be screened and tested for COVID-19:
- Anyone with symptoms: dry/hacking cough, fever (sometimes), painful throat or lungs, GI discomfort, diarrhea (sometimes), may present with sinus symptoms.
- Anyone who has previously lost their sense of smell or taste temporarily with symptoms.
- Anyone who believes they may have had Covid-19.
- Any critical infrastructure worker (even with no symptoms.)
- Anyone working in a public capacity with interface with public (even with no symptoms.)
- Anyone living with a critical infrastructure worker (even with no symptoms.)
- Any essential worker (even with no symptoms.)
- Any first responder or healthcare worker (even with no symptoms.)
More information can be found on the Family Health Center’s Facebook page. Those looking to get tested should call 269-488-0804.
