PHOENIX — There is a new way to get more people tested for coronavirus and make access easier for underserved communities.
St. Vincent de Paul is teaming up with CVS to offer self tests. Medical practitioners will give patients the test swab and a tutorial to do it yourself. The rapid tests have results ready in about 20 minutes, during which time patients will be asked to wait outside or in their car. If you test positive, they'll educate you on the next steps to quarantine and get follow-up care.
Anyone in the public can get a test if they think they've been exposed, but St. Vincent de Paul’s South Phoenix clinic was chosen particularly to help people living south of Downtown Phoenix who have limited transportation options. During the testing blitz, the state only set up one site in the downtown area, while the rest were north of the Loop 202.
“They thought this would be a place that would allow for additional access for people who might not have another place to get testing," said Associate Executive Director for St. Vincent de Paul, Shannon Clancy. “That way you're armed with knowledge of how to care for yourself and we don't continue to spread it.”
You don't need a doctor's referral or insurance, but you do need to call for an appointment and answer a few screening questions.
Patients will come in every 15 minutes with room for about 80 people a day.
To schedule an appointment, call 602-850-6940.
You’ll find St. Vincent de Paul’s clinic at 420 W. Watkins Rd. in Phoenix.
