UWA helps bring COVID-19 testing to Livingston

UA Med Center, City of Livingston, Alabama Power, UWA bring coronavirus tests to Sumter County

The COVID-19 testing site is supported by the University of Alabama Medical Center’s mobile unit. Practicing social distancing at the mobile unit are Dr. John Higginbotham, senior associate, vice president of research and chair of the Department of Community Medicine and Population Health; UWA President Ken Tucker; Sumter County Commissioner Pat Ezell; Livingston Mayor Tom Tartt Mayor; and Kristie Black, a registered nurse for University of Alabama Community Health.

A new COVID-19 testing site has been established to serve Sumter County and surrounding communities. The testing site began operations Thursday, April 16, reportedly screening more than 100 and testing 27 who met necessary requirements for receiving the test.

The service is offered by the University of Alabama Medical Center and Office of Research and Economic Development in partnership with the City of Livingston, Alabama Power Company, and the University of West Alabama. Through the partnership, University Med Center’s mobile unit will be stationed at Livingston’s Jaycee Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. until noon. The unit will continue offering screening and testing through this week and next while supplies last.

No appointment is necessary, and there is no charge for the test. Insurance is not required but will be collected if available. As time permits, all who visit the site will be screened in order of arrival, and those who meet CDC and ADPH guidelines will be tested for the coronavirus. Persons should not leave their vehicles but instead look for the crimson and white mobile unit and follow on-site directions to proceed through the line for screening.

Livingston Mayor Tom Tartt expressed gratitude to all who have collaborated to bring the much-needed service to the community.

“As Sumter’s county seat, the City of Livingston is a geographical center point for the communities surrounding us, and we are pleased to host the mobile as it provides this critical service to our community,” Tartt said. “On behalf of the entire county and all of our communities, the City welcomes the UA Medical Center team with open arms as we all work together to assess our communities’ COVID-19 related healthcare needs and respond accordingly.”

In a time where social distancing is the law of the land, local leaders have proverbially locked arms to help ensure that the community’s health and safety are preserved and that needs are addressed.

“UWA is pleased to partner with the City of Livingston and Alabama Power Company in bringing the University of Alabama Medical Center’s mobile unit to Livingston to screen and test where appropriate for COVID-19,” said UWA President Ken Tucker. “We are also grateful to Dr. Friend and UA’s Med Center for the opportunity to help facilitate outreach and services such as this, recognizing that now more than ever, cooperation is necessary to take all precautions for health and safety in the communities we serve.”