On behalf of Public Health:
Washtenaw County Expands Community COVID-19 Testing
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Packard Health providing testing at community locations
YPSILANTI, Mich., May 1, 2020 – Washtenaw County Health Department is announcing plans with local health care providers and community partners to provide COVID-19 testing where it is most needed in our community. Testing has remained a huge challenge locally and across the state and country. With support and resources from both Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and Packard Health, testing will now be offered at two upcoming pop-up sites and ongoing testing sites in the 48197 and 48198 areas.
Pop-up Testing
With support from Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and partnerships with Ypsilanti Township and the Community Family Life Center in the Sugarbrook Neighborhood, testing will be provided on:
- Saturday, May 9 at Ypsilanti Township Community Center, 2025 E. Clark Rd., Ypsilanti from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 16 at the Community Family Life Center (CFLC), 1375 S. Harris Rd., Ypsilanti from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Ongoing Testing
With support from Packard Health and a partnership with Ypsilanti Community Schools, ongoing testing is planned at Perry Early Learning Center, located at 550 Perry Street, Ypsilanti. The start date is Thursday, May 7. Testing will be offered Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may be adjusted, depending on demand.
Ongoing, curbside testing is also available daily at the north entrance of St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor hospital, located at 5301 McAuley Drive, Ypsilanti, MI 48197. Call 1-833-247-1258 with questions.
Who Can Get Tested?
At both locations, COVID-19 screening is offered to anyone with at least one symptom, including: fever higher than 100 degrees, cough, shortness of breath, severe tiredness/fatigue, sore throat, muscle aches, diarrhea, loss of taste or smell, runny nose/congestion, or decreased appetite.
If you have health insurance, please bring your card. Insurance is not required for testing. There should be no out-of-pocket fees for individuals needing testing. Many insurance providers have already waived copays for COVID-19 testing.
Disproportionate Impacts of COVID-19
The impact of COVID-19 in 48197 and 48198, among Black or African American community members, and in group settings like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homeless shelters, and jails has been disproportionate and devastating. Since the beginning of April, new COVID-19 cases in Washtenaw County have been related to three primary risks: household contact with a confirmed case; exposure at a group setting; or employment as a health care worker.
Along with prioritizing testing in zip codes with the highest rates of infection, the Health Department has been working with partners to facilitate testing in high-risk, group settings in response to COVID-19 cases and outbreaks. Testing collaboration with Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and the Health Department began at several skilled nursing facilities and Delonis Shelter locations throughout the county and continues with the announcement of larger, community testing opportunities in the Ypsilanti area.
Additional information can be found in the full press release and joint testing flyer. Both are attached to this message.
