SPOKANE, Wash. – For nearly a year Discovery Health MD has been operating the Spokane Valley community COVID-19 testing site in collaboration with Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). This site is supported financially by the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) to bring convenient, equitable testing to the Spokane Valley community. Over the last eight months, the Spokane Valley testing site has provided service to over 14,000 community members with a record day of 645 tests performed at this location.
Earlier this month DOH notified the Discovery Health MD management team that the Spokane Valley location will no longer be funded effective Friday, September 9.
Reflecting on the efforts of this team and their immeasurable contributions to the Spokane community, Program Manager Ben Weaver had this to say in a written address to his staff:
“Providing free, reliable, and friendly testing services to the Spokane Valley community started November 26, 2021. Since opening our pig barn doors at the Spokane County Fairgrounds, a location known for its holiday carols on loop and a driveway turned ice rink in the winter – the team has operated continually. Community testing is unique in that what is bad for business and job security is good for the health of our communities, and this closure means that COVID-19 is being addressed well enough in Spokane Valley that the DOH can shift its focus back to other pressing public health concerns.”
“We are thankful to have the support of Discovery Health MD, Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Spokane Falls Community College to help our community with much-needed COVID-19 testing,” said Dr. Francisco Velázquez, health officer for SRHD. “These sites have given our community members easy access to testing and timely results which is vital to preventing further spread of the virus.”
Although COVID-19 rates are seeing a bit of a drop, local medical experts agree testing is still the best way to keep you and your family safe. Discovery Health MD’s convenient drive-thru testing facility is available in Spokane Falls Community College if you have any symptoms or think you might have exposure.
For more information on community testing sites and free at-home antigen tests by mail, visit the testing information page in the COVID-19 section of SRHD.org or call (800) 525-0127, then press #.
Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD) is a leader and partner in public health by protecting, improving, and promoting the health and well-being of all people through evidence-based practices. SRHD is one of 34 local public health agencies serving Washington state’s 39 counties. Visit www.srhd.org for comprehensive, updated information about SRHD and its triumphs in making Spokane a safer and healthier community. Like SRHD on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive safety and wellness tips.
Discovery Health MD (DHMD) was founded by Drs. Ray and Ann Jarris on the principle of immediate access to expert medical advice and equitable access to services. DHMD has been at the forefront of the pandemic response, putting together their first testing program in April of 2020 to support continued operations for the Northern Fish Fleets and maritime communities of Washington and Alaska. Since then, DHMD has expanded operations to provide a broad array of testing and vaccination services. Visit www.discoveryhealthmd.com to learn more.
Media Contacts:
Kelli Hawkins, SRHD | [email protected] | (509) 324-1539, c (509) 994-8968
Daniel Pulse, Discovery Health MD | [email protected] | (509) 969-9334