The Wayne State University Physician Group, in partnership with Wayne State University Health Sciences and ACCESS, are providing drive-through testing for the COVID-19 coronavirus for symptomatic health care workers and first-responders in Detroit and Dearborn this weekend.

Volunteers from the organizations tested a total of 362 health care workers, police officers and firefighters who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 on March 20-21, to help protect those who are caring for our community during the pandemic.

The testing took place at WSUPG headquarters at 400 Mack Ave. in Detroit. Testing of health care workers and first-responders with COVID-19 symptoms will continue at the ACCESS Community Health and Research Center, 6450 Maple St. in Dearborn, on Sunday, March 22, from 12 p.m,. to 5 p.m. Testing will also be available at both the Detroit and Dearborn locations from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., starting March 23.

Volunteer clinicians and staff from the participating organizations and resident physicians from area hospitals manned drive-through testing stations, conducting brief background and medical histories, followed by a simple and quick nasal swab test. The tests are being offered at no charge and are limited to health care workers, police officers, firefighters, and medics from across the region who are displaying COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, or sore throat).

Those tested will be notified of the results and care instructions through a private and secure text message developed specifically for this in partnership with Patient Education Genius.

WSU Health Sciences committed startup funding to purchase testing equipment and launch the program. WSUPG is leading and coordinating the screening effort, which includes health care providers from WSUPG and professionals from the WSU School of Medicine, College of Nursing, School of Social Work and the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

“Wayne State has long played an integral role in the health and well-being of the Detroit community, which is why it’s critical we step up and help test those who are involved in caring for others,” said Wayne State University President M. Roy Wilson. “Testing is an important measure toward controlling the spread of the virus, and we’ve made this drive-through testing process as accessible as possible for those on the front lines of care who have symptoms suggesting that they may be infected.”

“Our front-line health care workforce is one of our most precious assets in the fight against COVID-19,” said Charles Shanley, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Wayne State University Physician Group, and vice dean, Clinical Affairs, Wayne State University School of Medicine. “We cannot protect the public without protecting them, as well as the first responders who provide critical support to our health care system, and protect public safety.”

Led by Dr. Phillip Levy, chief innovation officer, Wayne State University Physician Group, and assistant vice president, Wayne State University and Dr. Teena Chopra, corporate medical director of infection prevention, hospital epidemiology and antibiotic stewardship, Wayne State University and the Detroit Medical Center, the COVID testing initiative brought together individuals from across the region, showing how community health challenges can be addressed through team-based collaborations. 

“As a nonprofit anchored in 49 years of service, ACCESS feels this partnership is essential to help reduce the pressure on our already overwhelmed hospital systems and test those most critical to getting ahead of this pandemic,” said Lina Hourani-Harajli, chief operating officer, ACCESS. “Our hope is to provide support to those who are putting themselves at risk to help contain this virus so they may return to their service roles as quickly as possible.”

For more information on the testing at ACCESS, call 313-216-2230

Media contact Wayne State University – Phil Van Hulle – 586-206-8130

Media contact ACCESS: Rana Taylor - 313-600-6750