In the wake of the current coronavirus pandemic, Remote Area Medical (RAM) clinics have been canceled in 2020. RAM remains committed to its mission to prevent pain and alleviate suffering by providing free quality healthcare to those in need. Recently, partnering with eTrueNorth and QuestDiagnostics to help recruit volunteers for testing sites across the country.
“RAM is ready to help in any way we can, and we are happy to assist these organizations to get people tested,” said Jeff Eastman, RAM CEO. “This is a great opportunity for individuals at home who want to join in the efforts against COVID-19 in their local community.”
I had the opportunity this weekend to volunteer with Remote Area Medical at a drive-through specimen collection site in Louisville, KY. Working alongside dozens of different volunteers over the course of the weekend I am amazed that during the pandemic, instead of retreating, thousands of volunteers are stepping forward when they are needed most.
A medical background is not required to volunteer in general support roles. Volunteers will help perform initial eligibility screening, check IDs, confirm appointments, obtain patient consent, assemble specimen kits, assist with registration, deliver kits to vehicles, assist volunteers as they don and doff personal protective equipment (PPE), and direct traffic.
However, we are also looking for nurses, paramedics, and EMTs to fill the clinical support roles.
All volunteers will be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The safety and health of volunteers, staff, and patients are a priority.
Volunteer Now Click Here
Who can be tested?
- The drive-through testing sites follow CDC eligibility guidelines and are available to anyone who may be exhibiting symptoms of the virus. In addition, the site is available to all health care workers and first responders, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms.
- An appointment is required.
How do people sign up for an appointment?
- If an eTrueNorth lab site, visit DoINeedaCOVID19test.com
- If a Quest Diagnostics site, visit MyQuestCOVIDTest.com
Who are your lab partners?
- We are working with Quest Diagnostics and eTrueNorth to stand up testing sites across the country.
What type of test is it?
- The site will use a self-administered nasal swab test that will allow those being tested to swab their own nose onsite while in their vehicles, observed by a trained medical volunteer to ensure the sample is taken correctly, and drop the sealed sample into a container on their way out of the drive-thru site.
How long does it take to get results?
- Quest delivers results within an average of two days.
- eTrueNorth delivers results between three and five days.
Is there a cost for the test?
- There is no out-of-pocket cost to the individual.