The thing that struck PPMM clinician, Erin H. right away, when she began seeing patients at our drive-through COVID-19 testing site in Monterey, was how much so many of them were longing to see their grandchildren and sons and daughters and best friends. They had been sheltering-in-place for weeks, and, more than worrying about themselves, they wanted to get tested so they could be safe for the people they love.
“We had one older patient who told us, ‘My children won’t let me see my grandchildren until I get tested,’’’ Erin said. “It’s great that people can come to our site for a test, even if they’re not showing symptoms.”
A lot of patients who drove through without needing an appointment were surprised to hear that their county officials had partnered with Planned Parenthood to set up the community testing site. They didn’t know that providing this kind of essential preventive health service is a big part of what we do.
“It was actually pretty moving,” Erin said. “Because patients we might not ordinarily see were glad to know that we’re here for them. And, for us, it was amazing to be part of this greater sense of community during a really tough time and know that we can help people in this way.”
To learn more about our drive-through COVID testing in Monterey, click here.