Contacts:
Khalilah LeGrand, Ed.D., (402) 853-1320;
khalilah.legrand@nebraska.gov
Monique Farmer, (402) 210-7308;
Monique.Farmer@nebraska.gov
Omaha, NE – The New Era Baptist State Convention of Nebraska, Inc. and the Omaha Housing Authority have partnered with DHHS to provide free COVID-19 testing with the National Guard. A press conference will be held on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 9:30AM at Salem Baptist Church – 3131 Lake St., Omaha, NE 68111 to kick-off this two-day testing event in North Omaha. Testing for North Omaha residents will take place on Friday, July 10 at Jackson Tower – 600 S 27th St., Omaha, NE 68105 or Saturday, July 11 at Salem Baptist Church – 3131 Lake St., Omaha, NE 68111. Hours for testing on both days are 10AM-2PM.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began to affect the State, residents have been asking for widespread access to testing. In an effort to support ongoing testing efforts in the North Omaha community this partnership was formed. Doris Lassiter, Health Ministry Director, New Era Baptist State Convention of Nebraska, Inc., said, “We are so excited about this partnership with New Era Baptist State Convention of Nebraska and the Omaha Housing Authority because it provides much needed access to testing for those who are underserved. This is what our outreach efforts are all about and I am pleased to be a part of this event for North Omaha. As so many of our churches are preparing to open, testing will provide additional support to the safety measures they are already putting into place"
According to State data available on the DHHS data dashboard, minorities are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Widespread testing is a proven way to slow the spread of COVID-19. Testing also provides important data to track the spread of the virus, find a cure and save lives.
Any resident who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, coughing, and shortness of breath) is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider, local health department, or complete a Test Nebraska assessment online and schedule a free test. However, many COVID-19 patients may be asymptomatic and are still encouraged to get tested.
Press conference speakers include: Doris Lassiter – Health Ministry Director, New Era Baptist State Convention of Nebraska, Inc. and CEO of Nebraska Center for Healthy Families; Dannette R. Smith – CEO, DHHS, Dr. Adi Pour – Executive Director, Douglas County Health Department; Kenny McMorris – Charles Drew Health Center, Inc.; Sal Issaka – Director of Resident Initiatives & Public Housing Engagement, Omaha Housing Authority and Reverend Dwayne Hawkins – President, New Era Baptist State Convention of Nebraska, Inc.
Registration is not required as on-site registration will be available.