City
of Rochester
News
Release
(Wednesday,
Oct. 21, 2020) – Mayor Lovely Warren today announced that nearly a thousand
people benefited from the no-cost COVID testing and flu shot clinics set up at
select Rochester churches over the past two weeks. The initiative provided
Rochester’s minority communities with additional opportunities to access to
these services during the pandemic as the area prepares for the upcoming
influenza season.
“I
am delighted with the outstanding results of this initiative, which allowed
families to help protect their circles and prepare for the coming wave of flu
season,” said Mayor Warren. “We know that communities of color are
disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and we need to continue building equity
for these historically disadvantaged populations. We have received positive
feedback from many community members, which is a testament to the hard work and
determination of all of our partners in this effort. I am truly grateful and
appreciative to the churches and pastors, our volunteers, health systems,
community groups, the County of Monroe and New York State for making this
program a resounding success.”
The COVID testing and flu
shot initiative ran for 12 days at four Rochester churches: Aenon Missionary
Baptist Church, Greater Harvest Church, Memorial AME Zion Church and House of
Prayer and Restoration. Participants also received general health screenings.
Testing and flu
shots were provided at no cost to participants. Wegmans and the Monroe County
Department of Public Health covered the cost of flu shots for those without
health insurance; Rochester Regional Health and the University of Rochester
Medical Center are covering the cost of staffing to collect samples; and the
New York State Department of Health is providing and covering the cost of tests
and supplies for COVID-19 testing as well as processing the tests.
Clinicians
screened 941 people, conducted 764 COVID tests and administered 466 flu shots. Participants
also received education on substance-abuse; Narcan training and kits; voter and
census information; as well as other human services.
Community
members are encouraged to get a flu shot to protect themselves during this flu
season as well as sign up for the ROC COVID symptom tracker (roccovid.org).
The
COVID and flu shot initiative was sponsored by the City, N.Y. State Department
of Health, Monroe County and Rapid Response Team members, which include the
Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester, Rochester Black Nurses
Association, Common Ground Health, Finger Lakes Performing Provider System,
Jordan Health, Ibero American Action League, Rochester Regional Health,
Regional Health Reach, University of Rochester and Wegmans.
Chief
Equity Officer Cephas Archie will be available for interviews Tomorrow,
Thursday, October 22 regarding this initiative. Please contact Bridgette Burch
White to schedule an interview.
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News Media: For
more information, contact Bridgette Burch White at 428-6064 or email at Bridgette.BurchWhite@CityofRochester.gov.