YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WYTV) – The Youngstown City Health District, Ohio National Guard and local churches are offering drive-thru COVID-19 testing and flu shots at city churches in the upcoming months.
COVID-19 tests are free, and you do not have to have symptoms to get tested, according to Youngstown Health Commissioner Erin Bishop. Pre-registration is also not required.
Flu shots are $25 or free with your insurance card.
The first in the series of clinics was held Thursday at Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church on the city’s south side.
Jeffrey Smeck took advantage of the drive-thru testing and brought 98-year-old Mary Morley with him so they could both be tested.
“I’m her caregiver. So, if she is doing it, I may as well do it, too. I’m the one going out to the stores and everything like that,” Smeck said.
Augustine Lamonge drove in from Warren for the clinic. She says the virus leaves her with a lot to be concerned about.
“I’m worried about the children going back to school. I have one son in college and in high school as well, and I think they need to be doing more testing for the school children,” she said.Youngstown to begin weekly COVID-19 testing; mayor credits drop in cases to mask-wearing
Pastor Lew Macklin said the community testing in an important way to keep track of people who have the virus, whether they show symptoms or not. He also said having the clinics in churches attracts parishioners and those in nearby neighborhoods.
“More than just come to worship but also to be the hands, the face, the legs of God to teach and touch the community,” Macklin said. “Testing is one of those things in which we can determine if you’re asymptomatic, what do do, what needs to be done and how we can help best address the needs of the community.”
Masks must be worn at the pop-up events. If you don’t have a mask, one will be provided.
The following testings sites will be available:
Thursday, September 24
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church
505 Parkcliffe Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44511
Thursday, October 1
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Congregation Rodef Sholom
1119 Elm Street, Youngstown, OH 44505
Thursday, October 8
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Union Baptist Church
528 Lincoln Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44502
Thursday, October 15
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
New Covenant Church of the Nazarene
304 Matta Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44509
Thursday, October 22
TBA
Thursday, October 29
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. John’s Episcopal Church
323 Wick Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44503
Thursday, November 5
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Christ Centered Church
3300 Hudson Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44511
Thursday, November 12
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
St. Edwards Catholic Church
240 Tod Lane, Youngstown, OH 44504
Thursday, November 19
TBA
