Benedict College and CVS Health launch COVID-19 testing in Columbia
August 31, 2020
Benedict College and CVS Health announced the launch of rapid COVID-19 testing on the College’s Columbia campus. CVS Pharmacists and pharmacy employees will staff the testing operation, which will be available at no cost to patients.
“I applaud Benedict College and CVS Health for partnering to increase much-needed COVID-19 testing in our community,” said Congressman Clyburn. “We must do everything we can to ensure South Carolinians have the resources they need to arrest the spread of this virus. I encourage all eligible residents to utilize this vital service by registering in advance and visiting the testing site as soon as possible.”
Testing at Benedict College, located at 1903 Two Notch Road in Columbia, will be open to the public by appointment. Patients will need to pre-register in advance by calling 803-705-4351 to schedule a time slot to come to the center for testing.
A personal vehicle is not required for testing and results will be provided on-the-spot. To be eligible for testing, patients will need to meet criteria established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in addition to age guidelines.
“The City of Columbia is pleased to partner with CVS Health and Benedict College to provide the free community testing site until Wednesday, September 30,” said Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin. “I urge everyone to visit the CVS Health-Benedict testing site during September to help us know more about COVID-19’s presence in Columbia. Community testing gives us the data we can use to plan and allocate resources to further reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our city. By getting tested, you are not only finding out about your own health, but you are ensuring the health of your family, your community and your City.”
Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution with over 2,100 students enrolled in its 34 baccalaureate degree programs. This Midlands HBCU has been a community leader for over 148-years and is a significant contributor to South Carolina and the region, contributing $130 million and 1,218 jobs in total local and annual economic impact.
In addition to offering testing together with several community partners across the country, CVS Health is offering drive-thru testing at more than 1,800 CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. Nearly sixty percent of these CVS Pharmacy test sites serve communities with significant need for support, as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Social Vulnerability Index.
