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Posted: May 20th, 2020
Community Screening and Testing A Success
Over the past eight weeks, a skilled team of Natchitoches Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Associates volunteered their expertise to provide community drive-through screenings and testing for COVID-19 at the campus of Central Louisiana Technical Community College campus. This site is now closed since the need for drive-through screening is no longer needed, but more than 299 cars came through the site with 348 people tested. COVID-19 was detected for 29 people with 18 results still pending.
“I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to the outstanding healthcare professionals for their efforts and dedication in making this drive through testing possible,” explained Kirk Soileau Chief Executive Officer. “Also special thanks to Campus Dean of CLTCC Laurie Morrow, City of Natchitoches Mayor Lee Posey, Parish President John Richmond, Senator Louie Bernard, Natchitoches Chief of Police Mickey Dove and Captain Brad Walker, Natchitoches Sheriff Victor Jones, Northwestern State University Police Chief Craig Vercher, Homeland Security Officer Mary Jones, Natchitoches Fire Department Chief John Wynn, and many volunteers for their assistance. This testing was truly a community effort as only Natchitoches can do it! “ Soileau noted.
Going forward, any community member needing screening and testing can visit the Walk-in Clinic on Keyser Avenue from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, or at the North Natchitoches Medical Clinic in Campti from 8 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Within the next 30 days, NRMC will be offering rapid Antibody Serum Testing and rapid PCR viral testing through NRMC’s main hospital laboratory. Results will be available within one hour. If in the future should there be a resurgence of COVID-19 or other viruses, NRMC will be ready and able to offer immediate testing locally without relying on an outside testing laboratory.
Again, thank you to everyone for working together to protect the health of our community. We are Natchitoches Strong!