HHOMA announces free COVID-19 testing at WVSU: Sept. 18-19, 2020

CHARLESTON, WV – The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA), along with community partner West Virginia State University Extension, is offering free COVID-19 testing at West Virginia State University (WVSU) in Kanawha County on Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The WVSU testing site will be set up in Parking Lot C; the large parking lot on campus, across from Wallace Hall and Ferrell Hall. A campus map can be accessed here.

“COVID-19 has impacted the African American community in West Virginia at a disproportionately high rate,” said West Virginia State University Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Scott Woodard. “As a Historically Black College and an active community partner, West Virginia State University is proud to join with the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs, the West Virginia DHHR, the West Virginia National Guard, and the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department in offering this important testing opportunity.”

Kroger Store #768, located in Dunbar Village, will be also providing hospitality items to volunteers on site.

The COVID-19 testing locations are organized through Governor Jim Justice’s COVID-19 Advisory Commission on African American Disparities in order to provide testing opportunities to residents in counties with high minority populations and evidence of COVID-19 transmission.

Since May, free testing has been offered by the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the West Virginia National Guard, and various community partners from across the state.

“We’re incredibly thankful for Governor Justice’s leadership and commitment to ensuring that our minority and vulnerable communities have access to all the testing and other healthcare resources that they’ve needed throughout this pandemic. The strength of our partners has also helped fuel our continued efforts,” HHOMA Executive Director Jill Upon said. “Our office is looking forward to bringing essential resources directly to those who need them most.”

This event and future COVID-19 testing locations are available for free to all residents, including asymptomatic individuals. Proof of insurance is not required. Attendees should bring identification, such as a driver’s license or proof of address. Those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Several additional testing events will be held across the state in the coming weeks. Click here to view the full list of upcoming COVID-19 testing locations, dates, and times.