Legion Field to become dedicated drive-thru COVID-19 test site
Beginning Thursday, all residents will be able to schedule an appointment to be tested for COVID-19 at Legion Field, regardless if they are symptomatic or not.
Health insurance will not be required for anyone who wishes to get tested. The drive-thru testing will be administered through a swab and residents will not be required to exit their vehicle. In order to schedule an appointment, please call (205)-922–6843 or visit www.rossbridgemedicalcenter.com
For weeks now, Council President William Parker has been working with county health officials to determine the best course of action as it relates to providing testing for all of Birmingham’s residents, regardless of health insurance, symptoms or other barriers.
“First I want to thank all of our partners who worked tirelessly to make this happen,” President Parker said during Wednesday’s press conference. “To all the residents, we are here for you. I am encouraging everyone to please utilize this testing site so we can continue to flatten the curve as it relates to the community spread of COVID-19.”
The new site is powered through a partnership between the following agencies: 1st Foundation, Birmingham City Council/City of Birmingham, Birmingham Park and Recreation Board, Clergy Concerned for the Community, Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH), Lab Works, Nova Medicos and Ross Bridge Medical Center.
Test results will be available within 24–48 hours and for those whose results are negative, they will be provided with documentation in order for them to be able to return to work, if necessary. Health officials will direct people who test positive on the next steps they need to take.
Dr. David Hicks, Deputy Health Officer for the JCDH, said that expanding testing for those who are asymptomatic is an important step to containing community spread. “Everyone needs to know what their status is. We will be here testing at Legion Field as long as the community needs us to be here. This is a team and a community effort and if there is an increase in demand we will have the ability to scale up.” Hicks explained.
As this public health crisis has swept across the country, verifiable reports have emerged that indicated African American communities are being disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.The higher rates of infection and fatality are linked to existing health inequities facing African Americans, such as higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, and access to health care providers.
Flanked by members of Birmingham’s clergy, Councilor John Hilliard spoke to the importance of having adequate opportunities for testing in African American communities.
“We know this virus is impacting African American communities in a major way,” Hilliard said. “To the citizens of Birmingham, at a time like this, testing is much needed — not only to make sure you are healthy, but to make sure you are not inadvertently spreading the virus in the community. I’m very encouraged to see all the partnerships and cooperation that took place to make this happen and I want to encourage everyone to utilize this opportunity and get tested.”
