City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020) – Hundreds of residents received more than 600 health-care services at Aenon Missionary Baptist Church this week, the first of four Rochester churches to participate in a community initiative to ensure minorities and historically disadvantaged residents have access to no-cost COVID 19 tests and flu shots as the region prepares for the twin threats of a pandemic and the flu season.
“The early response looks awesome and bodes well for the remaining days for this important initiative to make sure every resident can take steps to stay safe, healthy and out of the hospital as we head into this critical period of the pandemic,” said Mayor Warren. “Many of our residents are disproportionately impacted by these viruses. That is why I am so grateful to all of our churches and partners who are making this initiative possible.”
The No-Cost COVID-19 Test and Flu Shot Initiative kicked off Monday and continued through Wednesday at Aenon and the organizers are very happy with the numbers so far:
Clinicians administered 278 health screenings, 209 COVID tests and 141 influenza vaccine shots. Almost 70 individuals were offered education on substance-abuse disorders and 36 Narcan tests with training were distributed. Several people also took the opportunity to fill out the 2020 Census questionnaire.
The remaining COVID testing and flu shots will take place from noon to 7 p.m. at the following:
• Friday and Saturday at Greater Harvest Church, 121 Driving Park Ave.
• Monday, Oct., 12 through Wednesday Oct. 14 at Memorial AME Zion Church, 549 Clarissa St.
• Thursday, Oct .15 through Saturday, Oct. 17 at House of Prayer and Restoration, 545 Hudson Ave.
The initiative is sponsored by the City of Rochester, N.Y. State Department of Health, County of Monroe and the Race, Equity and Leadership (REAL) Rapid Response Team members, which include the Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester, Rochester Black Nurses Association, Common Ground Health, Finger Lakes Performing Provider System, Jordan Health, Ibero American Action League, Rochester Regional Health, Regional Health Reach, University of Rochester and Wegmans.
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News Media: For more information, contact Bridgette Burch White at 428-6064 or email at Bridgette.BurchWhite@CityofRochester.gov/.