Griggs Primary School Becomes First Drive-through Testing Site for Coronavirus in Greenspoint Area

Disponible en:

U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, along with Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney, announced the opening of the first coronavirus drive-through testing location in the Greenspoint on Friday, May 1.

Aldine ISD Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney delivers remarks as U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee looks on during a press conference at Griggs Primary School on Friday, May 1.

The drive-through testing site is located at Merlin D. Griggs Primary School, located at 801 Regional Park.

The testing is free and is being conducted by United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) and will take place from Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The testing facility at Griggs Primary is the only one in Houston between 610 and Beltway 8.

During a press conference in front of the school on May 1, Congresswoman Lee thanked Dr. Goffney and Aldine ISD for making Griggs Primary available as a testing sight.

“I am thankful to Aldine ISD to allow us to go into neighborhoods where no testing has come,” Lee said. “Greenspoint has not had free accessible testing, and we are delighted to start testing there because ALL of Houston should be tested. It is imperative that we continue increasing testing opportunities at a rapid rate.”

Dr. Goffney was joined at the press conference by Board President Paul Shanklin, Assistant Secretary Dr. Kimberley Booker, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Selina Chapa, Assistant Superintendent for Student Support Services Dr. Charlotte Davis and Assistant Superintendent of Community and Governmental Relations Abel Garza.

Dr. Goffney said Aldine was more than willing to step up to support the Greenspoint community.

“Aldine ISD is happy to answer the call to help keep our communities safe and healthy during this crisis,” she said. “The Greenspoint area is part of our Aldine community. Of the 22,010 Aldine students who live in apartments or mobile homes, more than half of those students reside in the Greenspoint area.

“As the stay-home order comes to an end and businesses in our community reopen, we know that our area is vulnerable due to a lack of nearby testing sites in our community. More than 80 percent of our students are economically disadvantaged, and we have been working side-by-side with our partners to meet the needs of our community. I thank Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and UMMC for thinking about our Aldine ISD families and providing this opportunity.”

Testing is free and open to all individuals seeking to get tested, with our without symptoms. No preregistration is required. Testers may be asked for proof of identification or medical insurance; however, neither is necessary to complete the testing.

The screening is designed to test as many people as possible quickly. A health care professional in protective gear will screen community members from their car. Anyone who tests positive will receive a call from the Harris County Health Department.

The testing site at Griggs Primary School will run as long as there is a need.

For more information, visit www.ummcscreening.com.