Providence, RI – Paolino Properties has announced that they would be providing the Rhode Island Free Clinic with free use of the parking lot found across from the main entrance of the former St. Joseph’s Hospital in South Providence, in order to assist setting up a free COVID-19 testing site for uninsured Providence residents. Testing will begin at the site on Thursday, May 7 at 647 Broad Street, near the hospital’s Peace Street location, from 1-4 p.m.
The testing site is intended specifically for individuals in the community who do not have health insurance, to help champion the state’s larger effort to ramp up testing and accurately determine the amount of people who have contracted the coronavirus. The site will provide testing on a drive-up and walk-in basis, but by appointment only. Please call the Clinic’s COVID-19 phone number (401-92-COVID), in order to set up a testing time.
“The mission of Rhode Island Free Clinic has a special importance during this pandemic to serve vulnerable populations. We encourage adults without health insurance who are concerned about their health to call the Clinic to make an appointment for a test,” said Marie Ghazal, Chief Executive Officer for the Rhode Island Free Clinic, located next door to the testing site. “We’re very grateful to Paolino Properties for their assistance in establishing this crucial resource at an urgent time for Rhode Island.”
“As former Mayor of Providence and a local businessman, it is my pleasure to be able to assist Rhode Island Free Clinic in setting up this test site to serve the people of South Providence,” said Joseph R. Paolino Jr., managing partner of Paolino Properties. “I find it fitting that, although it is not happening within the hospital itself, the St. Joseph’s property is still playing a vital role in promoting good health within the Providence community. I hope the location of this site on a major street and bus route will ensure that everyone in one of our most densely populated areas of the city who wants to receive a test can get one.”
“Testing is too important right now for there to be any barriers,” Paolino said of providing use of the site. “This is a time when we must face our challenges by thinking outside the box and showing compassion to those in need. Paolino Properties will not be compensated one penny for this – our compensation is helping the people of Providence.”
All individuals are reminded to please follow state regulations to prevent the spread of illness when attending a test site – including wearing a face covering and practicing social distancing when in an area populated by others.
The test site will operate on the following schedule:
- Monday-Thursday: 1pm to 4pm.
- Saturdays: 10am to 2pm
Rhode Island Free Clinic provides comprehensive primary, behavioral and dental care to nearly 3,000 uninsured adults. Each month the Clinic accepts 50 new patients based on eligibility. All services are free and delivered by a bilingual team of volunteers and staff. For Clinic information go to www.rifreeclinic.org.