ROCKY MOUNT, VA – A rare opportunity to be tested for COVID-19 without a doctor’s prescription will take place in Franklin County.
On Tuesday, a drive-through clinic will be set up at Pigg River Community Center, located at 2410 South Main Street in Rocky Mount.
Offered jointly by the West Piedmont Heath District, Bernard Healthcare Center and Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital, the event will be open to all Franklin County residents over the age of 18 on a first-come, first-served basis.
The clinic will take place June 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with no appointment needed.
Participants will drive onto the site, provide basic information about themselves, and have a nasal swab taken by a qualified medical professional.
The state laboratory will analyze the tests and provide results within a few days.
“We chose a location that would be convenient to underserved communities,” said Penny Hall, chief operations officer for the district. “Transportation is always a problem in a rural community, but the Pigg River site is centrally located, easy to access and laid out in a way that should eliminate traffic issues.”
Carilion teams will also be on-site to assist with staffing the event, providing medical and clerical personnel.
“This project goes hand-in-hand with our mission of improving the health of the communities that we serve,” said Carl Cline, Vice President of Carilion Franklin Memorial Hospital. “We are very excited to have the opportunity to participate and look forward to working with our partners.”
The Virginia Department of Health is providing the test kits and laboratory analysis, the hospital and Bernard Healthcare Clinic are providing personnel, and True Vine Baptist Church is providing food for volunteers.
Health experts urge residents to stay vigilant in order to keep themselves and others safe.
They say hand washing, social distancing and masking remain crucial in the fight against the coronavirus.