American Heritage CU to Host COVID-19 Testing for Philadelphia Community
Even with the vaccine rollout, coronavirus testing continues to play an important role in reducing the spread of the virus.
Over the next two weekends, the $3.4 billion American Heritage Credit Union in Philadelphia said its main campus will host one of the first free COVID-19 testing sites in the Northeast Philadelphia area.
American Heritage is collaborating with the Greater Bustleton Civic league in organizing the COVID tests, which will be administered by the city of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health.
Even with the rollout of COVID vaccines, 86% of Americans said testing will continue to play a significant role in helping to reduce the spread of the virus, according to a Harris Poll. As of Thursday afternoon, the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reported only 41 million Americans, which accounts for 12.5% of the U.S. population, have received one or more doses since the vaccine was introduced on Dec. 14.
“Philadelphia, and Northeast Philadelphia in particular, is at high risk for community transmission for COVID-19, and we wanted to find a way to help lower the spread in our community,” Jack O’Hara, president of the Greater Bustleton Civic League, said. “Our group’s mission is to improve our community and to vocalize concerns they may have, which is why we reached out to American Heritage to host these free testing events.”
Mike Dinneen, vice president of marketing at American Heritage, said several employees will be onsite to provide support in traffic control and logistics along with representatives from the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Public Health.
Since the tests will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis, Dinneen said the credit union’s campus will be ready to accommodate as many members of the community who need the test.
“As a leader in our local community, we have always strived to lead by example, and we are pleased to offer the usage of our centralized campus and resources to the Greater Bustleton Civic League and the City of Philadelphia to improve the wellness of our neighbors,” American Heritage President/CEO Bruce K. Foulke said. “And we hope that these events will encourage others to get involved as well.”
The COVID tests will take place on Feb. 20 and Feb. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.