When asked to provide free Covid-19 testing to as many people as possible, Healthy Connections went on a tour of pop-up sites around the state. The result has been more than 2,000 free Covid-19 tests given in 10 different Arkansas counties.

The Healthy Connections Free Covid-19 testing popup tour began on May 21 in De Queen. Since then, the testing tour has held 15 events that included Hot Springs, Hot Springs Village, Little Rock, Benton, Mena, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Nashville, Glenwood, Mount Ida, and Gurdon. The next scheduled event is July 8 at The Centre at Forest Lakes in Hot Springs.

Covid-19 testing is also being done at every Healthy Connections clinic. Copays are being waived for Covid-19 testing done in the clinic. Call 888-710-8220 to schedule appointments. The complete schedule and all testing information can be found at www.GetTestedFree.com.

Healthy Connections is also making Covid-19 testing available to any business that wants their employees tested. This will be done at the company site and will be free for both the company and its employees. Visit www.healthy-connections.org/testus to request testing.

The pop-up testing sites are set up as drive-through events. Patients don’t even get out of their vehicles. Patients report this new Covid-19 test is much easier and less painful than other tests previously given. No insurance information is collected and patients are through the testing area and on their way in just a few minutes. Results from these tests are being received on average in five to seven days.

Healthy Connections clinics are open, safe, healthy, and here for the communities they serve. The Healthy Connections community health network is a federally-qualified health center (FQHC). Healthy Connections and Evolve Behavioral Health both accept Medicaid, ARKids 1st, Medicare, and most private health insurance. There is also a sliding-fee scale for patients without health insurance who qualify. Medicaid patients may be required to switch their primary care provider to Healthy Connections before they can be seen. Learn more about Healthy Connections at www.healthy-connections.org.