Jacksonville-area churches to offer free COVID-19 testing

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Several churches throughout the city of Jacksonville are planning to turn their parking lots into coronavirus testing sites.  

“It’s something that we’ve been in partnership with the chamber, the state, Florida Blue and Baptist Health backed us up as well to get this done, because the need is so great in our community for people to get tested,” said Church Pastor John Newman of The Sanctuary at Mount Calvary in Jacksonville.

Newman told Action News Jax his church and many others will offer free COVID-19 testing starting this Saturday. 

“Drive up, fill out the form, get tested, drive out,” said Newman. 

A white pop-up tent is already set up outside his church. 

“We’re going to have JSO here to help with traffic. We’re not sure what kind of turnout we’re going to get, but this is going to help tremendously,” said Newman.

He wants to make sure higher risk and underserved communities get access to free testing. 

“It’s devastating to AfricanAmerican communities,” said Newman.

According to the Department of Health, African Americans in Duval County make up 28 percent of confirmed COVID-19 cases. Pastor Newman believes more people need to get tested. Newman says testing will be available at his church Saturday From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

Here’s a schedule of other churches in Jacksonville that will offer free COVID-19 tests:

1. June 27, 28

Hopewell Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

3990 Loretto Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32223

Contact: Richard Preston rpreston@myhopewell.org 904 309-0276

The Sanctuary Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

2360 Kings Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209

2. July 11, 12

Bethel Church Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

215 Bethel Baptist St, Jacksonville, FL 32202

Citadel Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

1057 Arlington Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32211

3. July 18, 19

Open Arms Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

2763 Dunn Ave # 1, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Abyssinia Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

10325 Interstate Center Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32218

4. July 25, 26

All People Church Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

1993 Edgewood Ave W, Jacksonville, FL 32208

5. August 1, 2

Dayspring Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

5654 Dunn Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32218

Wayman Temple Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

8855 Sanchez Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32217

© 2020 Cox Media Group