UCSF Partners With Community Groups to Bring COVID-19 Testing to Oakland
A UCSF partnership brought COVID-19 testing to the Akoma Farmer’s Market next to Eastmont Mall in Oakland on Sept. 9. The testing in the Oakland community is scheduled to return Sept. 26 and 27 to the La Clínica de La Raza parking lot on 35th Avenue and East 12th Street. Photo by Maurice Ramirez
In a continuing effort to serve communities that are at high risk of getting COVID-19, UC San Francisco is partnering with Oakland-based community groups to sponsor two days of free mass testing.
The testing effort will help public health officials gather data that can help stop the spread in the Latinx community, and there will be opportunities to participate in COVID-19-related research.
“The data we collect will inform advocates, public health officials, and clinicians involved in the care of the Fruitvale community,” said Alicia Fernández, MD, professor of medicine and director of the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence. “We will make every effort to disseminate the data broadly so all can benefit.”
The testing, which is for families that live in the Fruitvale District’s 94601 ZIP code, is scheduled to take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 26 and 27 at the La Clínica de La Raza parking lot on 35th Avenue and East 12th Street. Those who wish to be tested are encouraged to register in advance, but no one will be turned away for not registering.
Both swab testing to diagnose active infections and antibody tests to detect past infections will be available for adults and children. This testing is not considered a public charge and will not adversely affect anyone’s immigration status.
Organizers will help guide anyone who tests positive to the appropriate health and support services and ensure they have the food, housing and financial resources to go into quarantine or isolation.
The testing collaborative includes the Resilient Fruitvale Task Force, a coalition of organizations led by The Unity Council and that includes La Clínica, Street Level Health Clinic; Native American Health Center; Oakland Unified School District; Alameda County Public Health Department; La Familia; and Oakland Public Library.