INDIANAPOLIS — Faced with the reality of COVID-19 disproportionally affecting minorities in Indianapolis, health officials are opening three more testing cities in Marion County to bring more testing into those communities.
The Marion County Health Department will open three new testing sites over the next month, with the first at Eastern Star Church near the intersection of 30th Street and Arlington Avenue.
“The prayer was for equal testing and equal remedy,” Eastern Star Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson said. “We can’t have equal remedy without equal testing.”
REGISTER | Expanded COVID-19 testing in Marion County
The next two sites will be announced in the next few weeks.
The new testing sites will have both drive-thru tests and walk-up testing for those unable to drive, or those who take public transportation.
Officials hope to begin at 1,000 tests per week, ramping up to 3,000 tests per week within three or four weeks.
The tests will be by appointment only but 100% free, Marion County Health Department Director Dr. Virginia Caine said.
“All the tests and the costs will be under the budget of the Marion County Health Department,” Dr. Caine said. “I don’t need any insurance information we don’t want to be a burden for tests.”
The tests were acquired through a contract with IU Health, Caine said.
Anybody who develops symptoms should call 317-221-5515 or visit www.marionhealth.org/indycovid.
