To expand access to COVID-19 testing in the Chattanooga area, Cempa Community Care, in partnership with Alleo Health System and LifeSpring Pediatrics, will offer free drive-thru and walk-up testing in the Bethlehem Center parking lot on Wednesday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Individuals of any age may be tested, and no appointment is required.
“We are proud to be able to mobilize alongside other excellent community organizations to continue expanding access to much-needed testing in our area,” said Shannon Stephenson, CEO at Cempa Community Care.
“Giving individuals a way to find out their status empowers them to make smarter choices about how they navigate their daily routines, and ultimately, creates a safer environment for our entire community.”
Testing is available to the general public without a physician referral, and those who come for testing can remain in their vehicles throughout the process of collection. Testing will be provided at no out-of-pocket cost. If a patient has insurance, testing site workers will document that information and bill for the services rendered.
Molecular testing will be administered by medical staff using a nasopharyngeal swab, meaning a swab will be used to collect a sample through the nose. The sample will be processed using the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) test, and results will be available between 24 and 72 hours after the sample is collected. Patients will receive information regarding what they can expect after being tested.
The RT PCR is used for acute diagnosis for COVID-19 and does not test for a previous COVID-19 infection. Any patient who develops symptoms after being tested should be re-tested.
Please note, public restrooms are not available at the event.