MESA — For the second Saturday in a row, hundreds of residents attend a free clinic providing COVID-19 tests and flu shots for adults and children.
One of those who attended the free event at Lincoln Elementary was Stacy Meyer.
"I'm here because I have asthma, and it was recommended by my doctor, and it's good for me to get tested," said Meyer.
The event comes at a time when the flu season is starting to ramp up. According to Dr. Cara Christ, Health Director for Arizona Health and Human Services, flu season in 2019 hit an all-time high. The goal in 2020 is to get as many people vaccinated for the flu, given the current pandemic with COVID-19.
"Bring your families, you don't have to be Mesa resident," says Captain Michelle Denton.
Saturday's event is the second of five consecutive clinics being held in Mesa.
"In tracking the numbers of COVID testing, we prioritized our locations based on where the positivity rate was the highest and in this area was the second-highest at the time of us making that decision," added Denton.
Many who showed up tells ABC15 they are at higher risk for complications if they were to test positive for COVID-19. Maria Espinoza attended the event. She is 7 months pregnant and considered high risk.
"I used to be pre-diabetic and pre-eclampsia and he can come at any time," says Espinoza.
Most who showed up told ABC15 they are thankful to the first responders who are here, providing one more step at staying healthy and safe.
"I was so relieved that I was able to get it done for free... I'm just glad that we have places like this that step up and help people," said Meyer.
