City leaders in West Palm Beach are launching a new testing effort to reach undeserved communities.
On Saturday the city’s Coronavirus Response Team opened a pop-up mobile testing site at Gaines Park for those with or without a car to get tested.
“There are a number if people that can’t get out to the more established testing sites. Those testing sites are drive-thru what if you don’t have a car,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James.
Providing a pop-up mobile testing site has been a priority said James. It’s an effort aimed at making sure all residents have access to Covid-19 testing.
“We’re the first municipality in the county to do this we did it in Coleman Park about two weeks ago where we were able to test 150 people,”said James.
Saturday started out as appointment only.
Before noon anyone over the age of 16 could simply walk up and get tested.
Firefighters and nurses helped about 500 people.
The project was a joint effort from the City’s Coronavirus Response Team and several local organizations.
The Quantum Foundation, FoundCare Inc., and the Urban League of Palm Beach County.
The all hands on deck approach offered up a glimmer of hope for so many during this tough time.
“The palm trees dot our landscape. They will bend and they will sway when the storm winds come but they won’t break and I know that West Palm Beach community will not break. We are strong we will get through this,” said James.
