City Announces Launch of Additional COVID-19 Test Site with Rhode Island Free Clinic
City Announces Launch of Additional COVID-19 Test Site with Rhode Island Free Clinic
Hours of Operation Extended at Existing Locations Serving Frontline Communities
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Mayor Jorge O. Elorza in partnership with Rhode Island Free Clinic will launch a drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 test site at 647 Broad Street, adjacent to the Free Clinic located at 655 Broad Street. In an effort to build a robust, local testing system, the City has worked with Centerville Bank to expand operations at Clinica Esperanza to nearly double its initial launch and is continuing to identify new opportunities to serve Providence’s frontline communities.
“Building an efficient, equitable and accessible testing system is a critical part of our strategy to fight the spread of COVID-19 here in Providence,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Now, as we see the spread of this virus slow, it is as important as ever that we have a robust testing system in place. I want to thank RI Free Clinic for working with us to ensure that residents of all languages, zip codes and walks of life have access to the care they need during such a difficult time.”
Drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing will be provided by Rhode Island Free Clinic beginning Thursday, May 7, 2020, in the parking lot at 647 Broad Street. Testing at this site is available to uninsured, symptomatic adults who call the Clinic for an appointment. Bilingual personnel, materials, and signage will be available at the site. Residents are encouraged to use the COVID hotline, 401-92-COVID, or visit www.rifreeclinic.org<http://
“We want the community to know that in addition to tests being free, services at Rhode Island Free Clinic are free, bilingual and comprehensive,” said Clinic CEO, Marie Ghazal. “Rhode Island Free Clinic has a strong primary, behavioral and dental health home for our uninsured community, with physicians during regular hours and behavioral health services located on premises. We’re grateful to Mr. Joe Paolino for working with us to test on his property.”
Additional testing support has been supplemented by supplies from the State of Rhode Island. The City continues to work closely with the State and the National Guard to identify opportunities to establish and expand COVID-19 test sites. Those interested in partnering with the City should contact Deputy Chief of Staff Theresa Agonia at tagonia@providenceri.gov<
“As former Mayor of Providence and a local businessman, it is my pleasure to be able to assist Rhode Island Free Clinic in setting up this test site to serve the people of South Providence,” said Joseph R. Paolino Jr., managing partner of Paolino Properties. “Testing is too important right now for there to be any barriers. This is a time when we must face our challenges by thinking outside the box and showing compassion to those in need. Paolino Properties will not be compensated one penny for this – our compensation is helping the people of Providence.”
With recent additions, there are four accessible COVID-19 testing sites located at:
Providence Community Health Center
Drive-up and Walk-Up Testing
Bailey Elementary School, 65 Gordon Avenue
401-444-0404
Clinica Esperanza
Drive-up Testing
Clinica Esperanza, 60 Valley Street
401-408-0238
Rhode Island College
Drive-up Testing
600 Mt Pleasant Avenue
Call physician for referral & location details
Rhode Island Free Clinic
Drive-up and Walk-Up Testing
647 Broad Street
401-92-COVID (401-922-6843)
All of these sites will offer multilingual services, free testing and all personal information will only be used for healthcare related need. Residents are also encouraged to keep a daily contact journal and should have the journal ready to provide for contact tracing should they test positive for COVID-19. For more information on COVID-19 and best practices you can share, residents can visit our website<http://www.