Canton Nonprofit Debuts New COVID-19 Mobile Testing Unit

CANTON, GA — Bethesda Community Clinic recently showcased its new mobile testing unit during the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners work session.

The BCC is a nonprofit organization, headquartered in Canton, that is dedicated to providing quality, affordable health care services to the uninsured and under-insured citizens of Cherokee County. It is currently estimated that 30,000 adults and 2,500 children are uninsured in Cherokee, according to the nonprofit.

Last spring, county commissioners provided a $175,000 grant to BCC, through the CARES Act, for the purchase of a mobile testing unit to assist with novel coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in Cherokee County. Federal guidelines state that funding received from the CARES Act must specifically be used to prevent, prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

“I was recently contacted by a constituent who was working but was uninsured and needed a medical procedure,” said District 3 Commissioner Benny Carter. “I was thankful to refer him to your clinic and to be updated that you all had helped him with his medical needs.”

In addition to COVID-19 testing, the mobile testing unit will also provide services for routine physicals, health screenings, health education, women’s exams and chronic care.

“This year alone, Bethesda has treated nearly 5,000 patients, up from 3,300 in 2019, and has also distributed over $4 million in free medications using the Patient Assistance Program,” said Bethesda Community Clinic’s Executive Director Melissa Belfried.

Belfried added that BCC is working with the Cherokee County School District, as well as local food pantries and churches, to make the mobile testing unit available at local events for families who are uninsured and in need of medical care.

For more information on the Bethesda Community Clinic, visit bcccherokee.com or call 678-880-9654.