In Phoenix, a partnership is offering a new way to get more people tested for the coronavirus. St. Vincent de Paul is teaming up with CVS to offer self-tests for the uninsured.

Licensed health care providers from MinuteClinic, the retail medical clinic of CVS Health, and CVS Pharmacy colleagues will staff the testing operation. Medical practitioners will give patients the test swab and offer a tutorial on how to do the test themselves. The rapid tests offer results in about 20 minutes, during which time patients will be asked to wait outside or in their car. If the test is positive, they will be educated on the next steps to quarantine and how to receive follow-up care.

“We’re extremely grateful to CVS Health for helping bring COVID-19 testing to the uninsured patients we serve at St. Vincent de Paul,” said Dr. Maurice Lee, St. Vincent de Paul’s chief medical officer. “Not only are we increasing access for people who might otherwise go without medical diagnosis, but we’re also gaining a better understanding of the spread happening within vulnerable populations and in our community as a whole.”

Anyone who thinks they have been exposed can receive a test. However, St. Vincent de Paul’s South Phoenix clinic was chosen particularly to help people living south of Downtown Phoenix who have limited transportation options. Testing at St. Vincent de Paul’s clinic, located at 420 W. Watkins Road in Phoenix, will be free and open to the public by appointment only. Patients will need to pre-register in advance by calling 602-850-6940 to schedule a same-day time slot for testing.  A personal vehicle is not required for testing and results will be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to age guidelines.

In addition to offering testing together with several community partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru testing at 1,000 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide.