COLUMBIA, S.C., Aug. 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Benedict
College and CVS Health today announced the launch of rapid COVID-19
testing on the College's Columbia
campus. CVS Pharmacists and pharmacy employees will staff the
testing operation, which will be available at no cost to
patients.
"I applaud Benedict College and CVS
Health for partnering to increase much-needed COVID-19 testing in
our community," said Congressman Clyburn. "We must do everything we
can to ensure South Carolinians have the resources they need to
arrest the spread of this virus. I encourage all eligible residents
to utilize this vital service by registering in advance and
visiting the testing site as soon as possible."
Testing at Benedict College, located
at 1903 Two Notch Road in Columbia, will be open to the public by
appointment. Patients will need to pre-register in advance by
calling 803-705-4351 to schedule a time slot to come to the center
for testing.
"Working with partners like Benedict
College is an important part of our comprehensive strategy
to increase access to COVID-19 testing," said Dr. Garth Graham, Vice President, Community Health
and Chief Community Health Officer, CVS Health. "This joint
effort allows us to tap into the network of a trusted organization
with strong community ties to further expand testing in areas of
greatest need."
A personal vehicle is not required for testing and results will
be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients
will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, in addition to age guidelines.
"The City of Columbia is
pleased to partner with CVS Health and Benedict College to provide the free community
testing site until Wednesday, September
30," said Columbia Mayor
Steve Benjamin. "I urge everyone to
visit the CVS Health-Benedict testing site during September to help
us know more about COVID-19's presence in Columbia. Community
testing gives us the data we can use to plan and allocate resources
to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our city. By getting
tested, you are not only finding out about your own health, but you
are ensuring the health of your family, your community and your
City."
"It is gratifying when corporations like CVS Health recognize
the commitment and service of Benedict
College to the communities that support our students and the
college," said Benedict College President & CEO Dr.
Roslyn C. Artis. "This is our second
partnership to offer free COVID-19 testing to the citizens of
Columbia and the surrounding area
and we encourage everyone that is able to take advantage of this
testing for health and safety of their families and
communities"
Benedict College is a private
co-educational liberal arts institution with over 2,100 students
enrolled in its 34 baccalaureate degree programs. This Midlands
HBCU has been a community leader for over 148-years and is a
significant contributor to South
Carolina and the region, contributing $130 million and 1,218 jobs in total local and
annual economic impact.
"I'm glad to see CVS Health working with Benedict College to bring free, rapid COVID-19
testing to a location that is easily accessible in the community,"
said State Senator Darrell
Jackson. "Testing is important to stop the spread of
this virus and I applaud these two organizations for their
commitment to supporting public health here in the Midlands."
In addition to offering testing together with several community
partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru
testing at more than 1,800 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide.
Nearly sixty percent of these CVS Pharmacy test sites serve
communities with significant need for support, as measured by the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social
Vulnerability Index.
"I, like most South Carolinians, want to ensure the safety of
our citizens and for things to go back to normal," said State
Representative Todd Rutherford.
"I cannot stress enough the importance of social distancing,
wearing masks, and getting tested. I am pleased that CVS
Health and Benedict College have opened
a free, rapid testing site to increase access to testing here in
Columbia."
For further information: Erin
Britt, erin.britt@cvshealth.com
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SOURCE CVS Health