Kankakee, IL – Testing for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) will now be available in the City of Kankakee. On April 14, 2020, Governor Pritzker requested Federal Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) to assist the state in its battle against COVID-19 by identifying sites in predominately minority communities or populations disproportionately affected by the virus. Testing locations were chosen based on an analysis of the existing population and demographic characteristics of the surrounding community.
In response to Governor Pritzker’s request, the goal for Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness is to provide tests to 500 patients per week at six of their locations throughout the state. Aunt Martha’s Kankakee Community Health Center located at 1777 East Court Street will be a drive-thru testing site. Testing will begin tomorrow on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. COVID-19 testing will continue on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. To make an appointment, call 877-692-8686.
“We encourage those who would like to be tested to call ahead and schedule an appointment. Staff will be on site to help with registration. This is about increasing the number of people getting tested. We want to make sure we are not turning anyone away; however, we are following the guidelines from the Illinois Department of Public Health on the criteria to be tested. This will be on a day-to-day basis and will depend on the availability of tests,” said Kenny Martin-Ocasio, Senior Vice President of Community Integration-Health Services for Aunt Martha’s.
“I appreciate Governor Pritzker’s leadership in response to COVID-19 and securing additional resources for our state. We will continue to work together and provide our full support to Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness as they work to conduct testing in our community,” said Mayor Wells-Armstrong.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, in order to be tested for COVID-19, you must fall within these guidelines currently at this time:
Group 1: Individuals with COVID-19 consistent symptoms in temporary shelters or housing
Group 2: Individuals with COVID-19 consistent symptoms who are providing care for others and may have been exposed
Group 3: Individuals with COVID-19 consistent symptoms and seniors (Age 60 and older) or individuals with known chronic health conditions that may put them at higher risk
Group 4: Individuals with COVID-19 consistent symptoms who are front-line workers and still working to provide essential services
Symptoms for COVID-19 may include fever, cough or shortness of breath. The Illinois Department of Public Health announced testing will continue to expand based on availability and priority testing for those who are at high-risk. To make an appointment, or if you believe you may have been exposed to COVID-19 and displaying symptoms, call 877-692-8686. For more information, visit www.auntmarthas.org/.
