By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — The numbers in Knoxville are in the red zone. Hospitals are filling up. The Knoxville Board of Health has issued regulations banning gatherings of more than 10 people. The death count is over 200. People are dying. Funeral homes are busy. Testing is needed.
Once again, The Faith Leaders Church Initiative moves into action. The 70 churches who have been meeting every Thursday since
May, along with several community organizations have banned together to hold another Drive-Up, Drive-Thru testing event.
The first one was highly successful with over 500 people tested. In partnership with the health department with additional help and guidance of Monique Anthony, Director of Minority Health and Disparities Elimination at the Tennessee Department of Health the next event should be as successful.
The free testing event will be held Saturday, December 19th, from 10 am till 4 pm in the parking lot of Greater Warner Tabernacle AME Zion Church located at 3800 MLK Jr. Avenue, Knoxville Tennessee 37914.
The nasal swab testing is open to the public. Anyone who is concerned about their health, or the health of their family members can come for testing. All testing is provided at no cost to the public. Anyone who wants to be tested can just show up, no appointment is needed. Flu shots will also be available at the event. Regardless of the county you live in, you can come and stay in your car and be tested.
Face masks and social distancing is required as the organizations follow the guidelines issued by The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Director Martha Buchanan of the local health department.
For more information about the December 19th testing: contact event coordinator Cynthia Finch at 865-254-4793
