Save-A-Life program offers free covid-19 testing

COO of Wayne County Genelle Allen, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans, Wayne County Chief of Staff Assa Turfe and Garden City Hospital Chairman of the Board Osama Siblani with the new COvitest machines purchased by the Wayne County that are housed at Garden City Hospital. Photo by WLND

By Carolyn Marnon – The Save-A-Life program provides Wayne County employees and residents over age 10 with COVID-19 testing. There is no out-of-pocket expense involved, and you do not need an appointment.
The Wayne County Public Health Division, in partnership with Garden City Hospital, opened the COVID-19 drive-up diagnostic and antibody testing center June 23. The Save-A-Life program was made possible with CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act funds.
“With CARES Act dollars, Wayne County is making testing widely available and building a key partnership with Garden City Hospital to further flatten the curve,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.
Wayne County was able to purchase test machines. Garden City Hospital will use the machines to process on-site testing. The hospital will also be able to make arrangements for anyone testing positive for the antibodies to donate plasma. This plasma has the potential to save lives of COVID-19 critical care patients.
Not all who have been exposed to COVID-19 have built the antibodies, but some people may have the antibodies due to COVID-19 exposure even without showing symptoms.
The main intent of the testing site is to identify more individuals with the COVID-19 antibodies who could potentially be eligible to donate plasma, helping those critically impacted by the disease.
According to a press release, “After a positive antibody test, Garden City Hospital will provide necessary documentation for residents interested in donating plasma to the American Red Cross. This administrative step, typically performed for an additional charge, is covered through the program, making it easier for donations to reach those in need of convalescent blood plasma that effectively fights off the disease.”
Since the June 23 launch, an average of 200-250 people per day have come through the drive-thru testing site.
Testing is being done outdoors at Garden City Hospital, 6245 Inkster Rd, Garden City. The drive-thru test, which involves a nasal swab, is being done under the Testing Tent, Monday thru Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. You do not need to show symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested. You do not need an appointment nor do you need to pre-register. You do not need a prescription or doctor’s referral. You WILL need to have your ID or driver’s license and insurance card (if you have one). If you don’t have insurance, the cost will be covered. COVID-19 test results are delivered within 48-72 hours. Results for the antibody test are delivered within 24 hours.
The Save-A-Life program is expected to last until December 2020.