Alivio Medical Center Launches Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing
Alivio Medical Center will launch COVID-19 drive-thru testing at its Pilsen and Berwyn locations on Friday May 1, 2020 as part of a partnership with the State of Illinois, along with fellow Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) to expand testing to its patients and the community at large.
The health center will provide testing without the need for a doctor’s order and regardless of the ability to pay at the following locations:
Pilsen: 966 W. 21st Street, Chicago, IL Parking Lot
Berwyn: 6447 Cermak Rd., Berwyn, IL Parking Lot –
Alivio patients and non-patients that are essential workers, have symptoms (fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea), and/or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 infection are eligible for testing. There will be a limited number of drive-up slots available each day. Individuals wishing to get tested are encouraged to call 773-254-1400 to schedule a test.
“We are proud to be working with the state, public health officials and community partners to help flatten the curve while providing equitable access to the communities we have long served at Alivio,” says Esther Corpuz, Chief Executive Officer at Alivio Medical Center.
Latino communities are among the fastest growing areas of coronavirus cases. Social disadvantages faced by Latinos such as employment, immigration status, lack of health insurance, low-income, and lack of bilingual education impact health outcomes related to COVID-19.
Lower-income Hispanics are more likely to work essential jobs such as factory work, restaurants, grocery stores, etc. putting them on the front line of exposure, especially if employers are not providing PPE and adjusting to social distancing recommendations. Pre-existing conditions may cause life-threatening complications for someone fighting off the virus.
COVID-19 is most dangerous for those with underlying health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases. Hispanics make up over 30% of Chicagoans diagnosed with diabetes alone, while 19% suffer from heart disease.
Alivio Medical Center has long served vulnerable communities and is committed to increasing access by providing expanded testing services to those most vulnerable. Alivio’s bilingual providers are proud to be able to serve patients in English, Spanish and Chinese languages.
In alignment with the organization’s mission, all services and handouts will be bilingual in order to disseminate appropriate scientific based information regarding symptoms, testing, treatment and prevention.
Alivio has fearlessly advocated for quality, affordable health care access for Latinos in Chicago, Berwyn, Cicero and the Western Suburbs and are committed to reducing COVID-19 disparities through the testing expansion.
For more information on our COVID-19 drive-thru testing, click here.