The African American Health Program Executive Committee recently launched a free COVID-19 testing program targeting the county’s African American residents, the committee announced.
The targeted COVID-19 response program, with the tagline “Don’t Stress. Take the Test.” is offered a various drive-through locations around the county and also includes need-based wellness services.
The County Council approved a $3.3 million special appropriation to implement the program, noting that there’s a higher death rate of 87.3 per 100,000 people for non-Hispanic Blacks compared to 76.6 for non-Hispanic whites, and 72.1 for the overall county population.
“With coronavirus cases rising as the holidays quickly approach, and Maryland renewing travel advisories, we are proud to offer free COVID testing and services specifically to the African American community in the county,” said Beatrice Miller, co-chair of the AAHP EC, said in a press release sent to the Source. “Our goal is to get residents tested, care for those who might test positive, and ultimately save lives.”
The self-administered test provides results from the county’s COVID-19 lab. Every resident that gets tested receives a COVID-19 safety kit, which includes personal protection such as touchless thermometer, gloves, masks, soap and hand sanitizer, as recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Locally, upcoming testing is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 23 and Monday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Mount Jazreel Baptist Church, 420 University Blvd. East.
In addition, testing will be offered Monday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Oaks at 4 Corners, 321 University Blvd. West, and Tuesday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Silver Spring Seventh Day Adventist Church, 8900 Colesville Rd.
The complete listing of additional dates and locations is available online.
Along with the county, the AAHP EC program includes partners Fit Fathers and the National Center for Children and Families, which will help provide mental health, domestic violence and other resources to those tested.
AAHP EC graphic