COVID-19 testing site to open in Spring Valley

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PEARL RIVER – State Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, Rockland County Legislator Toney Earl, and NAACP Spring Valley Chapter President Willie Trotman announced the opening of a COVID-19 testing site at the Martin Luther King Multi-Purpose Center in Spring Valley.  

  The Spring Valley area has recorded the highest number of positive cases – 2,856 as of May 27 – than any other area in Rockland. The area has also suffered the highest number of fatalities – 125 – about 20 percent of all COVID-19 related deaths in Rockland County.

  “We know that communities of color have been particularly hard hit by this virus, and we need to take extra steps to be sure we are addressing that reality,” Jaffee said. “This is an important way that we can fight back against this terrible predator. It is my hope that this site will allow more people to get tested.”

“The MLK Center is a trusted and safe space with a proven track record of providing culturally informed and respectful services to the residents of Spring Valley,” Legislator Earl said. “The motto of the center is ‘Building A Beloved Community.’ I thank Governor Cuomo for helping us build and care for our beloved community by making sure we are all tested.”

Founded in 1964, the MLK Center has been a community-based organization, providing childcare, after-school programs, and other programs which strengthen the Spring Valley Community. Throughout this pandemic, the MLK Center has served as a lifeline, hosting blood drives and food distributions, and making the location ideal for a COVID-19 testing site.  

Nathan Mungin, director of the Martin Luther King Multipurpose Center, said the center was honored to be recommended as a hosting site for the testing effort.

“What better way to fulfill our mission than to help save lives in pursuit of achieving Dr. King’s vision of a ‘Beloved Community,’” Director Mungin said. “We try to serve as a second home for so many, and this is one more vital way for us to continue our community outreach.” 

The site will be run by Northwell Health in partnership with the MLK Center and New York State. Testing will begin on Monday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and continue every day until June 12. Testing for both COVID-19 and for antibodies will be conducted. All are welcome, regardless of insurance or immigration status. To schedule a testing appointment, call 1-833-422-7369. 

NAACP Spring Valley Chapter President Willie Trotman said the impacts of COVID-19 make the testing site necessary because the virus continues to disproportionately impact communities of color.

“This site will help better serve the specific public health needs of our overall community,” Trotman said.




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