City Announces Launch of Additional COVID-19 Test Site with Rhode Island Free Clinic

Hours of Operation Extended at Existing Locations Serving Frontline Communities

May 7, 2020

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Mayor Jorge O. Elorza in partnership with Rhode Island Free Clinic will launch a drive-up and walk-up COVID-19 test site at 647 Broad Street, adjacent to the Free Clinic located at 655 Broad Street. In an effort to build a robust, local testing system, the City has worked with Centreville Bank to expand operations at Clinica Esperanza to nearly double its initial launch and is continuing to identify new opportunities to serve Providence’s frontline communities.

 “Building an efficient, equitable, and accessible testing system is a critical part of our strategy to fight the spread of COVID-19 here in Providence,” said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. “Now, as we see the spread of this virus slow, it is as important as ever that we have a robust testing system in place. I want to thank RI Free Clinic for working with us to ensure that residents of all languages, zip codes, and walks of life have access to the care they need during such a difficult time.”

Drive-thru and walk-up COVID-19 testing will be provided by Rhode Island Free Clinic beginning Thursday, May 7, 2020, in the parking lot at 647 Broad Street. Testing at this site is available to uninsured, symptomatic adults who call the Clinic for an appointment. Bilingual personnel, materials, and signage will be available at the site. Residents are encouraged to use the COVID hotline, 401-92-COVID, or visit www.rifreeclinic.org  for detailed clinic information.

“We want the community to know that in addition to tests being free, services at Rhode Island Free Clinic are free, bilingual and comprehensive,” said Clinic CEO, Marie Ghazal.  “Rhode Island Free Clinic has a strong primary, behavioral, and dental health home for our uninsured community, with physicians during regular hours and behavioral health services located on-premises. We’re grateful to Mr. Joe Paolino for working with us to test on his property.”

Additional testing support has been supplemented by supplies from the State of Rhode Island. The City continues to work closely with the State and the National Guard to identify opportunities to establish and expand COVID-19 test sites. Those interested in partnering with the City should contact Deputy Chief of Staff Theresa Agonia at tagonia@providenceri.gov

“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. “Testing is too important right now for there to be any barriers. 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.”

With recent additions, there are four accessible COVID-19 testing sites located at:

Providence Community Health Center

Drive-up and Walk-Up Testing

Bailey Elementary School, 65 Gordon Avenue

401-444-0404

Clinica Esperanza

Drive-up Testing

Clinica Esperanza, 60 Valley Street

401-408-0238

Rhode Island College

Drive-up Testing

600 Mt Pleasant Avenue

Call physician for referral & location details

Rhode Island Free Clinic

Drive-up and Walk-Up Testing

647 Broad Street

401-92-COVID (401-922-6843)