Since Maru A., one of our health center site supervisors, began working every week at PPMM’s community COVID-test site in Mountain View, she has been moved by expressions of deep gratitude from hundreds of patients who have lined up in their cars before 8 a.m.
Some have symptoms of the virus, but many do not. Some live with older relatives who are especially vulnerable, and some simply need a test in order to return to work. All of them are happy to see Maru when she steps up to the driver’s side window.
In early July, Maru was surprised by one young woman who drove up for a test and asked if she could read aloud a card she had brought with her to give to the staff. “She was so thankful for all of the services we provide,” Maru said. “She was very grateful for Planned Parenthood and really wanted us to know it – before she got her COVID test!”
Many patients who come to the drive-through site are surprised when they discover that Planned Parenthood is providing the tests and working with county officials to make it happen. “Some are really pleasantly surprised to hear that we offer primary care,” Maru said. “It’s inspiring that we offer services on this scale, fostering a relationship with the city and county.
“Planned Parenthood is about more than reproductive health. With this test site and other services, we have expanded into being a family-centered multi-generational source of care.”
Tags: covid-19, drive-up, covid-testing, grateful