MIAMI –Combined community effort provided residents in my district,free COVID-19 and antibody testing.Recognizing the need for accessible testing, I formed partnerships to guarantee that residents could conveniently walk-up for testing in the neighborhood. The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for everyone, getting tested should not be a challenge. Partners answering the call to collaborate on testing included Community Health of South FL, OneBlood, Congresswoman Donna Shalala, City of Miami Police Department, Greater St. Paul AME, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and The Jamaica Nurses Association.
Approximately 111 residents of Coconut Grove, South Miami and the surrounding areas came to be tested.More than 14 individuals gave blood and four gave platelets for antibody testing at the Frankie Rolle Community Center, 3750 South Dixie Highway. Our partner CHI and OneBlood will continue testing throughout South Florida. CHI led by Brodes H. Hartley, Jr., was the first to offer drive through testing in Miami Dade and Monroe Counties.OneBlood will also continue conducting antibody testing. Testing is one of the most critical methods we have in our arsenal to fight this virus and keep our community safe.
In addition to testing, know that there is an urgency for blood donations. It’s another way to save lives. My son, wife and I not only tested but also donated. Mayor Francis Suarez gave plasma twice in his quest to help others recover from the virus. I encourage everyone to test so that resources can be directed where needed and the economy can re-open in ways that will not jeopardize long-term health or security. For more information about testing, contact CHI at 305-252-4820 or visit www.chisouthfl.org. To access antibody testing and donating blood/plasma, contact OneBlood by visiting the website at www.oneblood.org.
