Hampton University is Partnering with Several Community Groups to Provide Free Juneteenth COVID-19 Community Testing
HAMPTON, Va. (June 17, 2020) –Hampton University has partnered with Sentara Healthcare, Virginia Department of Health, the Urban League of Hampton Roads, Inc., Hampton Branch NAACP, and the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank for a Juneteenth “Your Health is Your Wealth” COVID-19 Community Testing event on Friday, June 19 from 9:00 a.m. – noon, on the site of the historic Emancipation Oak.
“Hampton University is aware of the effects of coronavirus as our students returned to their homes in March, and the impact it has had on our surrounding community here in Hampton Roads. We know that testing is key to health equity and we are excited to be part of this community outreach team that is removing the barrier of costs for testing. It is important to the Hampton University faculty, staff and students to give back, and to assure that those who cannot afford the test, can come to campus on Juneteenth and have equal access to testing,” said Hampton University President, Dr. William R. Harvey.
This event is free and will take place at the parking lot near the Emancipation Oak on Hampton University’s campus. There will be free coronavirus drive-thru testing, walk-up testing, masks, food and more.
There is a limited amount of tests available; testing will be given priority to:
- First responders/healthcare workers
- Those living or working in a group setting
- Essential worker at high risk for exposure
- Those living with or have come in close contact with someone with COVID-19
Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson, Associate Professor for the Hampton University School of Nursing and Director of the Center for Gerontology Excellence, is a passionate advocate of giving back to the community. “I serve as co-chair for our university’s COVID-19 Task Force, and Hampton University is excited to be part of this community outreach effort for COVID testing for those adversely affected by or at risk for contracting coronavirus. We all know how African American and vulnerable communities have been adversely impacted by the increased infection rates. Hampton University faculty, staff and students are all about service. This event will help us be part of addressing health equity and community education,” she said.
The Virginia Peninsula Foodbank will be providing food boxes for people at the event. The Foodbank has been on campus before, providing hunger relief for over 400 households during Mobile Pantry distribution events.
For more information about this event, please contact 757-287-0277.