MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Christ Community Health Services aims to help people in underserved parts of Memphis who may not have access to adequate healthcare. At the end of March, the healthcare facility started drive-thru testing for coronavirus at their Third Street location. It started small, with only 50 people being tested a day. Now, they are expanding their reach.
The health center will now test up to 200 people daily. Shayla Williamson is the Chief of Nursing and Quality officer for Christ Community Health Services. Williamson told FOX13 the expanded testing is possible because they switched to a local lab for test results.
“They have the ability to turn around 200 tests in 24 to 48 hours. We’ve seen results come back in as few as 12 hours, so we’re very encouraged.”
Williamson also mentioned they are now able to expand who they offer testing too. Most test sites require that you show symptoms like fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
She said the CDC has relaxed some of its testing guidelines.
Williamson encourages if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms to get tested.
“They should be able to call us and because of the increase in testing capacity, we have not really turned anyone away.”
To set up an appointment and go through the screening process, you can text “Test2020” to 91999 or call 901-842-3160.
Testing remains free, you just have to make an appointment. Christ Community Health is also partnering with places like Church Health Center, Cherokee Health Center, Memphis Health Center, Tri-State Health Center, Wellness and Stress Clinic of Memphis, UTHSC, Case Management, Inc, and Memphis Fire to help expand testing services.
Williamson said the goal is to expand testing to other parts of Memphis including North Memphis and the Hickory Hill area.