AxessPointe Community Health Centers Providing Testing for COVID-19

AKRON, Ohio - July 13, 2020 - PRLog -- AxessPointe Community Health Centers has started drive-through testing for COVID-19. This testing is open to new and existing patients whether they have symptoms or not.

AxessPointe began the testing service on June 29 and currently only offers it at their Arlington location on 1400 S. Arlington St. Patients must first call a dedicated phone number to schedule a virtual visit with a healthcare provider to obtain necessary medical history. The patient will be scheduled to receive their test after the virtual visit.

"Our goal is to support and assist the communities we serve to combat COVID-19," states Chris Richardson, CEO of AxessPointe. "Education on preventing the spread in addition to providing community-wide testing for this virus is key to surviving the pandemic until a vaccine is available."

Patients must be pre-registered and will receive a scheduled time to arrive on the day of testing. All test results will be delivered through an online patient portal. Those who test positive will also receive a phone call to notify them of their results and to discuss follow-up care.

COVID-19 testing is currently offered once per week, with plans to expand to other locations in Barberton and Kent. AxessPointe is working on a collaboration with Summit County Health Department, Portage County Health District and the City of Barberton to expand access in the area.

AxessPointe's COVID-19 testing comes at a time when personal protective equipment (PPE), test kits and equipment are becoming more accessible. One of the main issues AxessPointe and other community health centers throughout Ohio have been facing is a lack of supplies. State Representative Emilia Strong-Sykes has been an advocate for AxessPointe and supports the work we do. She is working on a letter of support for community health centers, like AxessPointe, to have access to COVID-19 rapid testing equipment.

AxessPointe Community Health Centers is a federally qualified health center (FQHC) serving more than 21,000 patients in 2019 throughout Summit and Portage counties. AxessPointe has five current sites in Northeast Ohio, including three in Akron, one in Kent and one in Barberton. An FQHC is a non-profit corporation that delivers primary medical, dental and preventive health services in medically underserved areas. AxessPointe also provides pharmacy, women's health and behavioral health services. To schedule your appointment for COVID-19 testing, please call 330-564-2477. For more information visit https://axesspointe.org.