Free COVID-19 testing to serve minority groups through 2020

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — COVID-19 testing is expanding in some of Jacksonville’s high-risk neighborhoods.

Agape Family Health and the city of Jacksonville are partnering together to serve minority groups who have been hit hard by the pandemic.

Through 2020, free testing will be offered in underserved communities.

The CEO of Agape Family Health told Action News Jax at least 100 nasal swab tests will be done each day at several locations throughout the city.

“We recognize that people are more likely to get tested if it’s brought to them,” said Jones.

Jones said the partnership will help bring new testing sites to those who need it most.

“When we first started the testing in Jacksonville there were no testing in 32218,” Jones said.

We checked and according to the Florida Department of Health in area code 32218 there are nearly 2,000 reported positive cases of coronavirus.

Neighbors say more people need to get tested.

“Yea its needed for the black community, not only for covid19 but HIV as well,” neighbor Joe Johnson explained.

“Everybody wear your masks because you really do die, it’s no joke,” said neighbor Stephanie Creel.

According to a report from the Brookings Institution, the coronavirus is the third leading cause of death among African Americans.

Jones says testing is free and the city is paying for it.

“Husband, wife, girlfriend, boyfriend, mom and kids, dad and kids, come out and bring grandma and let’s make sure we are protecting the entire family,” said Jones.

Testing began Saturday, September 12th from 9 am to 3 pm at Centennial Tower located at 230 E. 1st

St 32208.

Weekly testing will be available at the following Agape Family Health Locations:

Monday-Wednesday 11 am - 6pm

Agape Family Health Center

1680 Dunn Avenue

Jacksonville, 32218

Agape Family Health Center

5460 Blanding Blvd

Jacksonville, FL 32244

Thursday - Friday 11 am - 6pm

Clanzel Brown Community Center

4575 Moncrief Rd,

Jacksonville, FL 32209

For additional information about Agape Family Health, visit www.agapefamilyhealth.com

Cox Media Group