COVID Testing Information Signs in Albion and Homer
Where and how to get free COVID testing in Albion just became clearer due to collaboration between the Albion Health Care Alliance and the Albion-Homer United Way for informational signage throughout the communities.
With grant money from the AHUW the Albion Health Care Alliance was able to fund 50 signs that have been placed in Albion and Homer which promote free COVID-19 testing at Washington Gardner School at 401 W. Michigan Ave. The former Albion middle school is now owned by Albion College and is the site of 20 free testing sites in the state.
In order to bring free community testing to Albion the AHCA worked closely with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), the City of Albion, NAACP and Allegiance Health and other agencies. Informational signs were an important to let residents in Albion and Homer know how to access the free testing. Testing is in the former middle school gym is open Monday and Wednesdays from noon to 7 PM and Fridays from 9 AM to 5 PM.
The saliva test is free, no prescription is required and available even if asymptomatic. Advanced registration is available, but not required. Masks are required at the testing site.
Free transportation is available on Wednesdays by calling either 517-629-5080 or 517-629-6578 to reach one of the community navigators. These navigators are Certified Health Workers hired by the MDHHS and provide information and assistance with the free COVID-19 testing. Community Navigator Vicki Easterwood is available at the testing site to provide information and assistance with additional services needed by residents.
Transportation is for anyone living in and around the Albion area is to get to and from the testing site. The van used for transportation is not handicapped accessible so cannot accommodate wheelchairs. The pick-up service is curb to curb. Masks are required for riders
AHUW funded the COVID-19 testing signs as part of its mission to provide “long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening” to community members. To support AHUW goals individual donors and donations through business and industry are solicited every fall. Payroll deductions and one-time donations are sought during every annual campaign. Donations can also be made throughout the year, AHUW Executive Director Marcia Starkey said.
Starkey also said there are four good reasons to donate to the Albion-Homer United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and that funding decisions are made locally. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier.
Donation forms are currently being mailed. Donors can also pick up forms at the Homer Public Library. Donations can also be made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org/ ormailed to AHUW PO Box 55, Albion indicating annual fund giving.
The mission of the AHUW is to provide “long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening” to community members.
Board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer, Chris Burdette, David Diemert, Ryan Hopson, Art Kale, Patrick McLean, Isabell Nazar, Scott Salow, Pam Schuler, Gary Tompkins, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.
Informational signs on the free community COVID-19 testing site and hours were funded by the Albion-Homer United Way in collaboration with the Albion Health Care Alliance. The signs were placed in Albion and Homer with information on the free saliva tests available at Washington Gardner School at 401 E. Michigan Ave. in Albion.