JeffCo Mayors To Bring Coronavirus Testing To Their Communities

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL — Mayors across Jefferson County are leading an effort to bring COVID-19 testing to their communities by partnering with Live HealthSmart Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center.

Since August, Live HealthSmart Alabama has expanded its COVID-19 testing to minority communities throughout Jefferson County, including Hueytown, Morris, Midfield, Kimberly, Bessemer and Trussville.

"The MHRC has been a leader in community testing for COVID-19 in Birmingham and Jefferson County since we launched mobile testing locations early in the pandemic," said Dr. Mona Fouad, director of the MHRC. "We are pleased to expand our partnership with these mayors to deliver testing across Jefferson County and help mitigate the spread of COVID-19."

While other testing facilities are focused on population density, Live HealthSmart Alabama actively seeks out smaller neighborhoods that are often overlooked. And, in areas such as Hueytown, it is the perfect fit, according to Brannan Clark, Hueytown’s fire marshal and safety officer.

"UAB is making testing possible and convenient for our citizens," Clark said. "The timing couldn’t be better, just before Thanksgiving when many families will gather for the first time in months. This testing is convenient and safe, especially for our seniors who haven’t left their homes much."

Also working to bring Live HealthSmart Alabama testing to their communities are Joe Pylant, mayor of Morris, Mayor Bob Ellerbrock of Kimberly and Mayor Stan Hogeland of Gardendale. Testing is available Nov. 16-19 in Hueytown thanks to the efforts of Mayor Steve Ware and in Trussville through the support of Mayor Buddy Choat.

Funding is provided by the Jefferson County Commission through the CARES Act, with the goal of increasing community-based testing in the county, particularly in areas serving vulnerable populations.