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. 2021 Jan/Mar;44(1):2-6.
doi: 10.1097/JAC.0000000000000362.

The Vital Role of a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jason Halperin  1 , Katherine Conner, Christian Telleria, Bruce Agins, Isolde Butler
Affiliations

The Vital Role of a Federally Qualified Community Health Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Jason Halperin et al. J Ambul Care Manage. 2021 Jan/Mar.

Abstract

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their mission of providing essential medical care to underserved populations is now even more vital. CrescentCare, an FQHC in New Orleans, evaluated and tested 3366 patients between March 16 and July 2, with an overall rate of 12% SARS-CoV-2 positivity. The clinic's experience demonstrates how to effectively and rapidly integrate COVID-19 programing, while preserving essential health services. Strategies include developing a walk-in COVID-19 testing site, ensuring appropriate clinical evaluation, providing accurate public health information, and advocating for job safety on behalf of our patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

No author reports any conflict of interests.

Figures

Figure.
Figure.
COVID-19 testing and positivity by race.
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