GASTONIA, N.C. — Several predominantly African American communities in Gastonia will receive more access to COVID-19 tests next week as concerns remain on the virus' impact on African Americans.
Kintegra Health will convert its mobile dental clinic into a mobile test site that will drive to different parts of the city.
The effort is a partnership between Kintegra, city leaders, and Gaston County's Department of Health and Human Services.
The effort began after Gastonia Mayor Walker Reid noticed a high number of cases in the 28054 zip code, which includes the Highland community, a predominantly African American neighborhood.
"I want to try to eliminate the fear of the unknown," Mayor Reid said. "I don't want anyone to say they didn't have the opportunity to address this situation head on."
There's no one answer as to why both national and local data suggest African Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19.Donyel Barber, Kintegra's community coordinator, said high rates of chronic disease and the level of knowledge of COVID-19 could be possibilities.
"I've received calls about people still gathering and having cookouts and birthday parties and inviting people over to their homes," Barber said. "They don't understand the impact of that."
It's why health educators will also be at the testing sites to talk to neighbors and hand out information on COVID-19.The tests are free, but they're in limited supply.
"This will help us to see exactly how this is impacting our community, which, I think, is going to be critical over the next couple of weeks," Barber said.
Those who want to get tested must call 704-874-3316 to make an appointment. The tests are for people with mild COVID-19 symptoms including cough, temperature above 100.4°, and those not feeling well.
Testing will take place between 10 am to 2 pm at the following locations:
- Monday: St. John’s Baptist Church (Bradford Heights) 1282 Bradford Heights Rd
- Tuesday: Kintegra Family Medicine (Highland Health Center) 609 N. Highland St
- Wednesday: Kintegra Family Medicine (Health Dept/Mountain View) 991 W. Hudson Blvd
- Thursday: Bradley Community Center 1200 Modena St
- Friday: Mt. Zion Restoration Church (North Myrtle Area) 2311 Crescent Ln
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