Pastors and health care providers partner to offer free COVID-19 tests and other needs for Chicago residents at area churches
In an effort to provide free COVID-19 testing, flu vaccinations and other needs, multiple churches on the South and West sides offered free health care services this week in a space where community members might feel more comfortable.
“They trust the pastor, and then they trust the provider,” said Lisa Green, chief executive officer of Family Christian Health Center. She said she and other doctors have been brainstorming about how to meet people in their neighborhoods.
Initially, the idea was to provide free COVID-19 testing, said Green. “As we were talking about that, my thought was, you know what? Our communities need more than a COVID test,” she said.
Seven doctors from federally qualified health centers partnered with nine churches. The Illinois Department of Public Health and Walgreens also participated in the effort.
