More than 8,400 people have visited the Florida A&M University-Bond Community Health Center COVID-19 Testing Site during the past five weeks. Area residents can continue to come to get tested as the Bragg Memorial Stadium daily, walk-up operation has been extended until at least June 15.
“The site has been successful as far as our ability to provide services to the Tallahassee community,” said Cynthia Harris, Ph.D., director of the FAMU Institute of Public Health and one of the organizers of the site. With the eruption of protests and people congregating in large groups in Tallahassee and cities across the country, the need for testing remains urgent, Harris said.
“There probably will be an additional need to ensure that people are safe,” she added. “As long as Tallahassee wants us to be here, we’re going to be here.”
On Monday, as news of the extension was being announced, the site received a visit from representatives of the U.S Digital Service Team. Under the direction of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, members are looking at the state’s surveillance system and data collection. Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees and Deputy Health Secretary Shamarial Roberson, DrPH, a FAMU graduate, also visited the site on Monday.
FAMU President Larry Robinson, Ph.D., welcomed the visitors and praised the site’s staff for its efforts in testing more than 8,000 people.
The latest extension means the Bragg Memorial Stadium location, which was initially opened for two weeks on April 25, will be in operation for at least two months.
The Leon County Health Department investigates all positive cases and conducts contact tracing. Those who have not received their results within seven business days should call (850) 583-2419 Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. or email [email protected].
“The community has truly recognized the need for testing,” said Dr. Temple Robinson, MD, CEO of Bond Community Health Center, one of the partners operating the site. “We have extended the site so we can meet those needs.”
The site is open daily, including weekends, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tests are free, and no physician referral is required. The site is open to anyone who wants to be tested – symptomatic, asymptomatic and those who want to know their status.
Residents can also schedule an appointment by calling the Leon County Health Department at 850-404-6399.
