Howard University Faculty Practice Plan (HUFPP) has opened a free COVID-19 testing clinic to cater to Washington, D.C. communities in partnership with Bank of America.

The bank has awarded a $1 million grant to the university to enhance access to COVID-19 testing in the region.

Wayne A. I. Frederick – Howard University President said: “We’re excited to partner with Bank of America to get these critical resources to the areas that need them the most.

“Many of our patients travel great distances to come to Howard University Hospital, which makes it challenging to seek medical attention at the first sign of illness. Our goal is to meet the community where they live so their access to care greatly improves and hopefully we can reduce the spread of the coronavirus significantly.”

Starting from 5 May, Howard University Faculty Practice Plan will host COVID-19 testing at the new Benning Road Center at 4414 Benning Road, N.E., Washington, D.C., Suite 2400.

The free COVID-19 testing will be available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM for the next three months.  Patients who are showing symptoms or who think they are asymptomatic, can avail the coronavirus testing.

Dr. Hugh E. Mighty – Howard University vice president of clinical affairs said: “You will not need to have a doctor’s prescription in advance to get tested at our location.

“We want to eliminate the obstacles so more people can be tested because we believe everyone should be tested. We want to screen our community neighbors in the areas where there are higher incidents of hypertension, heart disease and diabetes because those pre-existing conditions are linked to the higher incidents of coronavirus that we’ve seen in African American communities.”

As the requirement increases, the Howard team will look to expand by having a mobile COVID-19 testing unit to offer testing options in a second area of Washington, D.C. Apart from funding the tests and equipment, a par of the grant from Bank of America will be used for improving the telehealth services of Howard University Hospital, which will expand the ability of doctors to see patients remotely and boost the patient’s access to care.

Larry Di Rita – Greater Washington, D.C. Market President, Bank of America said: “Howard University Hospital is on the front lines in this war against the coronavirus and we are proud to partner in getting help to where it is needed the most.”

  Bank of America, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Dr. Hugh E. Mighty, Howard University Faculty Practice Plan, Larry Di Rita, USA, Washington D.C., Wayne A. I. Frederick