The Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association are seeking public support to expand free COVID-19 testing of police/corrections officers and first responders across the state.
 
Donations to the fund will expand testing that the Wayne State University Physician Group, in partnership with Wayne State University Health Sciences, began at drive-through sites for symptomatic first responders and health care workers in Detroit and Dearborn on March 20. To date, more than 1,800 police officers, firefighters and health care workers received free testing at those sites.

The MACP and the MSA are seeking to expand the testing to police/corrections officers, EMS and firefighters outside of Detroit and southeast Michigan.

“We recognize and appreciate this vital service Wayne State University Physician Group and Wayne State University are providing to assist law enforcement officers so that they can continue to serve their communities,” said Robert Stevenson, executive director of the MACP. “It’s important to us that the effort be expanded as far as possible across the state, so we are raising funds to do just that.”

“Our law enforcement officers protect the public and provide critical support for health care systems during this pandemic,” said Charles Shanley, M.D., president and chief executive officer of the Wayne State University Physician Group and vice dean of Clinical Affairs for the Wayne State University School of Medicine. “They are one of our most precious assets in the fight against COVID-19. We cannot protect the public without protecting them.”
 
Donations will cover expenses that Wayne State is voluntarily absorbing so the program can continue to operate, expand outside of southeast Michigan and continue at no cost for first responders. Funds raised will cover costs that are not covered by insurance.

At the two testing sites in Detroit and Dearborn, volunteer clinicians and staff from the participating organizations and resident physicians from area hospitals conduct brief background and medical histories, followed by a simple and quick nasal swab test. The tests are offered at no charge and are limited to health care workers, law enforcement officers, firefighters and medics from across the region who display COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat). Those tested are notified of results and care instructions through a private and secure text message.

“It is critical that first responders know if they have the virus so that they don’t unintentionally spread it,” said Matt Saxton, executive director of the MSA. Saxton said that the MSA wants to extend the vital program to law enforcement and corrections officers in other regions of the state.
 
Donations to the program can be made at www.michiganpolicechiefs.org or checks can be mailed to:  MACP; 3474 Alaiedon Pkwy; Suite 600; Okemos, MI 48864.

For questions or more information, call 517-349-9420 or email info@michiganpolicechiefs.org.