HCHS test sites for COVID-19

Since March when COVID-19 became a threat to the health and well-being of area residents, Hancock County Health System made it its goal to help in the prevention of the spread of the virus by setting up a COVID-19 testing site so all area residents could have access to local testing and care.

"HCHS is truly a community partner and leader for health care issues," said Andy Buffington, Hancock and Winnebago Counties Emergency Management Director. "HCHS has provided a wealth of community education and local care, including COVID-19 testing."

HCHS's test site and a respiratory clinic may have helped mitigate COVID-19 cases. The identification of an infected person is the first step in preventing the spread, said Chelcee Schleuger, Hancock County Public Health Director in a HCHS press release.

A priority of HCHS is to make access to testing as convenient as possible. You will nothave to take an on-line assessment. Instead, you can simply call a HCHS Clinic for a testing appointment and answer a few questions. If appropriate, you will be scheduled for a COVID-19 test at a HCHS Clinic or at HCHS Community Health.

While one can get tested within a clinic, HCHS also is offering drive-through testing from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Britt so people do not have to leave their vehicles. "In fact, an entire family can come in one vehicle and get tested at the same time," Schleuger said, adding that there is very little "if any" wait time.

Beginning in Mid-August, HCHS will open a Respiratory Clinic/COVID-19 Testing Site from its HCHS Garner Medical Clinic, 730 West Third St., and a drive-up testing site from HCHS Community Health Department, which is located downtown Garner.

"Because we established our Respiratory Clinic in March, we know what processes work in providing the safest environment possible for patients," said Laura Studer, HCHS Clinic Director. "We have experienced providers who have worked countless hours already in our clinic."

Getting your results is easier as well. Instead of logging on to a computer, you can request to receive a telephone call. 

"You can access through your portal, but if you have any questions or concerns, talking to someone during a call can help," Schleuger said.

Since mid-March, HCHS Clinics have treated approximately 450 people in its Respiratory Clinic. 

In June, HCHS began offering serology, or anti-body, testing, as well. In just one month, more than 200 people have been tested to see if they have the anti-body indicating that they have had the virus in the past. People who would like a serology test also are encouraged to all HCHS Clinics to schedule an appointment. The cost of the test is $30.

"We are proud of the work our providers and staff continue to do in leading our area in the care and prevention of COVID-19. Equally important to us is that everyone at HCHS makes it their priority to create a safe environment for our patients to come to receive care," said Laura Zwiefel, HCHS CEO/CNO.

For more information about COVID-19 testing and/or serology (antibody) testing: 641-843-5050.