UA Helping Provide Coronavirus Screenings in Livingston

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama’s University Medical Center and Office for Research and Economic Development are collaborating with Alabama Power and Livingston Mayor Tom Tartt to provide coronavirus screenings in Livingston starting April 16.

Screenings will take place Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon at JAYCEE Park in Livingston as long as supplies last.

“Providing screenings in the Black Belt region is important because there is limited access to health care in these communities,” said Dr. Richard Friend, dean of UA’s College of Community Health Sciences, which operates UMC. “The numbers that we’ve seen demonstrate a low level of testing in these areas, so it is critical that we get resources to residents.”

Attempts will be made to screen all who come. The screening process includes questions about symptoms experienced, such as coughing, fever and shortness of breath. Temperatures will be taken if people report fever.

Only those meeting Alabama Department of Public Health guidelines will be tested for coronavirus because of the limited number of tests. Test specimens will be sent to LabCorp in Tuscaloosa for evaluation.

People don’t need health insurance to be screened and tested, but health insurance information will be collected for those who provide it.

“We hope to expand into other communities as more testing becomes available,” Friend said.

Screening and testing will be conducted by nurses and physicians from UMC and CCHS, and the University’s Mobile Outreach Unit will be used in the screening initiative.

“We greatly appreciate the partnership with The University of Alabama and Alabama Power to provide coronavirus screenings to our community,” Tartt said. “The well-being and safety of our residents is our top priority, and it is critical that we have access to these resources. Because of partnerships like this, we will get through these tough times and continue to meet the needs of our residents.”