Free COVID-19 Community Testing Event
October 6, 2020 9:45 AM
Communications Staff
Lorain County Health & Dentistry will work with the Ohio National Guard, Lorain County Public Health, and the City of Oberlin to conduct a free, one-day COVID-19 testing event in Oberlin. This service is independent of the Oberlin College testing protocol.
The partners will hold a COVID-19 Community Testing Event at the Oberlin Recreation Complex, located at 225 W. Hamilton Street, in Oberlin, on Friday, October 9 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Tents will be set up in the parking lot for this drive-thru event. Those driving will remain in their vehicle to receive the swab test through an open window. Bicyclists, and persons walking to the event, will be directed to the picnic pavilion where a testing team will be stationed.
“This will be our fourth community testing event. In the previous three events, over 1,300 people took advantage of the opportunity to receive a COVID-19 PCR test at no cost. Some needed a negative result to return to work or school. Others had concern for exposure to the virus due to circumstances at home or elsewhere,” said Stephanie Wiersma, CEO of Lorain County Health & Dentistry. “I am happy we are able to bring this needed service to Oberlin, improving access to testing for those who live in central and southern Lorain County,” Wiersma said.
Testing will be available for individuals ages 2 and older, including for those who have no symptoms. The test has no out-of-pocket cost, insurance is not required and no questions about insurance will be asked. Those desiring a test will not need a doctor’s referral or order. No pre-registration is required. All are welcome.
“The free COVID-19 Community Testing Event will provide services to all citizens in order to better understand COVID-19,” said Rob Hillard, Oberlin City Manager. “We appreciate the effort of this partnership to provide this valuable service.”
“Testing is an important safety tool in our battle with this virus. Testing identifies persons who have the virus so that we can both better manage those affected and help to protect others by minimizing the spread,” said Stephanie Wiersma. Lorain County Health & Dentistry provides daily COVID-19 testing “curbside” for LCH&D
patients at locations in Lorain and Elyria during normal business hours. Curbside tests are by appointment only and require a doctor’s order obtained by way of a telehealth visit.
Lorain County Health & Dentistry, a not-for-profit Community Health Center, provides primary and preventive medical, behavioral health, dental and eye care to people of Lorain County, and surrounding areas, regardless of ability to pay. Operating seven sites throughout the county, including in Oberlin, the health center offers both on-site and telehealth visits. LCH&D is a 2019 National Quality Leader and ranks in the top 1% of all 1,400 community health centers nationwide for heart health and in the top 20% for overall clinical performance. In 2019, LCH&D served 15,244 unique patients in 51,255 medical and dental visits.
Persons unable to attend the October 9 community-wide testing event may call Lorain County Health & Dentistry at (440) 240-1655 to request a telehealth visit and an appointment for a COVID-19 PCR test.
For more information about Lorain County Health & Dentistry, visit www.lorainhealth-dentistry.org or call (440) 240-1655.