The Town of Hempstead has announced a new collaboration with Northwell Health to create a program centered on both education and PCR diagnostic testing for COVID-19.
The $336,000 grant, which will fund the program, was made possible through the CARES Act awarded to the Town of Hempstead and will expand testing locations in areas within the community that have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.
The locations will also provide educational materials regarding the virus to increase awareness. The announcement was made today by Supervisor Don Clavin and members of the Hempstead Town Board, which includes Senior Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Bruce Blakeman, Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., Councilman Tom Muscarella, Councilman Chris Carini, Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver Jeanine Driscoll.
“Thank you to Sen/ Schumer for the integral role he played in securing the funding that made the launch of this initiative possible,” stated Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin. “Minority communities within the town have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic and are in desperate need of these resources. This new program with Northwell Health will go a long way in helping to not only provide testing to residents in these communities but also to clarify any misconceptions around the virus so that we can mitigate future spread.”
Testing sites will be identified with input from community leaders throughout the Town and will be scheduled in advance for Northwell to be able to restock materials and rotate staff. Additionally, Northwell will be able to take precautionary measures such as cleaning and disinfecting the locations daily.
Education is also an integral part of the program. Each person that gets tested will receive a packet of coronavirus educational materials including what it is, how to identify symptoms, and how to protect yourself and others.
The educational materials also include more information about PCR diagnostic testing and interpretation of positive/negative results. Both of these services are geared towards the ultimate goal of providing additional awareness, connecting the community with healthcare services, and containing the spread of COVID-19.
“This pandemic is far from over,” said Goosby. “We will continue providing our residents with the resources needed to combat COVID-19 and we will overcome this virus together as a community.”
“While infection levels in our area remain low, we must remain vigilant and continue testing and educating people to help keep our communities safe and healthy,” Councilman Bruce Blakeman said.
“Expanding our testing locations will ensure access to healthcare services for our hardest-hit communities,” Councilman Anthony D’Esposito said. “This important program will go a long way towards reducing the future spread of the virus.”
“I am ecstatic that the Town of Hempstead will be providing financial support to our partners at Northwell Health as we seek to bolster our expansive local COVID-19 testing options and improve community education in our hometown,” stated Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr.
“The Town of Hempstead continues to remain at the forefront of the battle against COVID-19, and this grant funding to our partners at Northwell Health with further enable township residents to access increased testing options while expanding the township’s community health education initiative,” said Councilman Tom Muscarella.
Added Councilman Carini, “I am proud to partner with Supervisor Clavin and my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board to expand COVID-19 testing and awareness to residents of America’s largest township.
For more information about the Town of Hempstead and its efforts to improve the quality of life for residents and businesses throughout the region, visit https://hempsteadny.gov/.
