Coronavirus testing now available at federally qualified health centers in Allegheny County

More than 60 people have been tested for covid-19 at federally qualified health centers across Allegheny County since testing began at those facilities Friday.

As of Wednesday, test results have come back for 40 of those tests. Two have been positive, said Dr. Debra Bogen, director of the Allegheny County Health Department.

“Many of the federally qualified health centers are located in communities where people might not have had access to testing before,” Bogen said. “We hope this expansion gives access to more people.”

Pittsburgh lawmakers and state officials in recent weeks have called for better access to coronavirus testing in low-income communities. Data released by the county have shown lower testing rates and fewer cases of covid-19 in those city neighborhoods and municipalities.

Squirrel Hill Health Center, North Side Christian Health Center, East Liberty Family Health Center, Sto-Rox Family Health Center, Pittsburgh Mercy on the North Shore and Metro Community Health Center in Swissvale are all offering testing. Primary Health Care Services, which has nine sites, is also participating.

The centers receive federal funding and are intended to provide health care to people who are uninsured or underinsured. Patients pay based on what they can afford, and many pay nothing.

Anyone can make an appointment. Coronavirus testing at the centers is offered at no charge, regardless of insurance status, Bogen said.

Tests can be scheduled online at AlleghenyCovidTesting.com.

Testing at the centers is a result of a partnership between the Allegheny County Health Department, the Pittsburgh-based self-driving vehicle company Argo AI and the Richard King Mellon Foundation.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation awarded the county health department a $350,000 grant to purchase an initial 2,000 saliva testing kits from the California-based company Curative.

The county will also purchase an additional 3,000 tests from Curative.

The self-swab oral test is not painful and is easy to use, Bogen said.

“This is a wonderful example of how the foundation’s network is as important as its capital,” Sam Reiman, director of the Richard King Mellon Foundation, said in a statement. “This project has brought together leaders from across the country to make this covid-19 testing possible, and all to the benefit of our neighbors who need it most.”

Argo AI will contribute expertise in route planning and fleet operations to manage pickup and delivery of test kits.