Rite Aid, in Partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, BioReference Laboratories and New York State, Announces ‘Back to School’ COVID-19 Testing Program
August 26 2021 - 9:18AM
Business Wire
New York students K-12 will have the
opportunity for COVID-19 testing prior to or at the start of the
2021-2022 school year through Rite Aid and BioReference
Rite Aid (NYSE: RAD) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS), together with BioReference Laboratories, Inc., an
OPKO Health company (NASDAQ:OPK), announced a ‘Back to School’
COVID-19 testing program offering students at New York State public
schools the opportunity for free COVID-19 testing prior to or at
the start of the 2021-2022 school year. Students will be tested
using highly accurate RT-PCR laboratory-based COVID-19 tests.
To participate in New York’s ‘Back to School’ testing program,
students must pre-register and schedule a COVID-19 test appointment
at one of the 115 Rite Aid drive-thru locations throughout New York
State prior to returning to the classroom. Testing appointments
will become available prior to the start of the school year, and
individuals are required to pre-register and schedule a time slot
for testing at bioreferencelabs.bioreference.com/nyschooltesting.
Students ages 4-17 must access testing with consent from a parent
or legal guardian and be accompanied by a guardian at time of
testing in the drive-thru.
The ‘Back to School’ program includes The Increasing Community
Access to Testing (ICATT), which is a program that helps reduce
disease spread in schools, ensures that schools are safe
environments for learning, and supports the reopening of schools.
The ICATT complements other U.S. government efforts to expand
testing in schools, such as the Health and Human Services (HHS)
Expanded Testing Initiative Hub Program announced in February, and
the $10 billion funding announced by HHS in March through the CDC’s
Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) Cooperative
Agreement.
“Our work with HHS has enabled Rite Aid to be on the front lines
of the pandemic since the beginning, doing our part to keep the
communities we serve healthy,” said Jocelyn Konrad, executive vice
president and chief pharmacy officer, Rite Aid. “Providing access
to COVID-19 testing for school-aged children is critical,
particularly for those who are not able to be vaccinated, as we
continue to fight the pandemic and get closer to a return to
normal.”
Digital results will be delivered to parents for students to
bring to school. COVID-19 testing is voluntary and will be provided
at no cost to the student’s family or to the school district for
this program.
"As governor, my priorities are now the priorities of the people
of New York -- and right now that means fighting the Delta
variant," Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "Number one on the list is
getting children back to school and protecting the environment so
they can learn safely. As a part of our efforts, we are launching a
‘Back to School’ COVID-19 testing program to make testing for
students and staff widely available and convenient. We are proud to
partner with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,
BioReference and Rite Aid on this important initiative.”
“BioReference is proud to continue supporting New York State’s
active surveillance programs with this ‘Back to School’ testing
program,” said Jon R. Cohen, M.D., Executive Chairman of
BioReference Laboratories. “It is imperative that we support
programs that help to provide a safe environment for students to
return to in-classroom learning.”
About BioReference Laboratories, Inc.
BioReference Laboratories, Inc., is one of the largest full
service specialty laboratories in the United States that gives
healthcare providers and patients the power to make confident
healthcare decisions. With a focus on genetics, oncology, urology
and women’s health, BioReference offers comprehensive test
solutions and unparalleled expertise based on a 40 year legacy of
proven science. The company is in-network with the largest health
plans in the United States, serves approximately 19 million
patients annually, operates a network of 11 laboratory locations,
and is backed by a medical staff of more than 300 M.D., D.O.,
Ph.D., genetic counselors and other professional clinical and
scientific personnel. With a national footprint and niche market
experience, BioReference provides credible and innovative solutions
that meet the needs of employers, governmental agencies,
educational systems, hospitals and health systems, correctional
institutions, sports leagues, travel and leisure industries, and
retail markets. BioReference provides industry-leading custom
solutions for COVID-19, including point-of-care testing and
large-scale screening programs. https://www.bioreference.com/
About Rite Aid Corporation
As the trusted, everyday care connector, Rite Aid drives lower
healthcare costs through better coordination, stronger engagement,
and personalized services that help you achieve whole health for
life. We provide an array of whole being health products and
services for the entire family through over 2,500 retail pharmacy
locations across 17 states. Through Elixir, we provide pharmacy
benefits and services to millions of members nationwide. For more
information, www.riteaid.com.
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version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210826005508/en/
Media Contacts:
BioReference Laboratories Hillary Titus, 201-406-9968
htitus@bioreference.com
Rite Aid Brad Ducey, 717-975-5718
Bradley.ducey@riteaid.com
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