DOH-Leon and Community Partners Unite To Fight COVID-19 

“Today was a grand success.” Those were the words from Dr. Temple Robinson of Bond Community Health Center after the opening of a COVID-19 testing site outside FAMU’s Bragg Stadium. Even as heavy fog hung over Tallahassee, a steady stream of people started arriving Saturday morning for the first day of testing.

The test site is part of an effort to expand testing in under-served neighborhoods. The collaboration includes Bond CHC, Florida A & M University, The Florida Department of Health in Leon County, the Florida National Guard, and the Florida Department of Emergency Management.

The site begins testing daily at 9 a.m. and will remain open until the staff conducts 200 tests.

All the partners call the first weekend of operations a blue-ribbon day with nearly 400 people tested.

There is a feeling of pride to be able to provide accessible testing to communities that may need increased access. Residents are encouraged to come in for testing if they have any symptom history or if they have exposure concerns.

Since the weekend, there have been some adjustments and updates:

While the site accommodates walk-ups, residents are encouraged to make an appointment by calling 850-404-6399.

Going forward, appointments will be booked no later than 1:30 p. m. Those with appointments should arrive no more than 15 minutes early to avoid waiting and congregating.

The site is set up to conduct 200 tests over the next 11 consecutive days, through May 9th.

Testing at the site begins daily at 9 a.m. and will remain open until the staff conducts 200 tests.

No physician referral is needed, and one does not need to be symptomatic for testing.

The testing cost is free and continues through May 9^th.

*submitted by Pamela Saulsby, PIO

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