The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) is offering businesses in Jefferson County a safe and easy way to test their employees for COVID-19.

Through its Live HealthSmart Alabama program, UAB offers onsite walk-up or drive-through testing options to employees of interested businesses or groups of businesses in close proximity of one another.

As COVID cases continue to rise and peak holiday shopping season approaches, regular testing will be essential to keeping employees and customers safe and healthy while reducing the spread of COVID, said Dr. Mona Fouad, director of the UAB Minority Health & Health Disparities Research Center.

“Accurate and easily accessible testing should be on the minds of many business owners this holiday season,” said Fouad. “Knowing how and when to provide testing for employees and then being able to assure customers that employees are COVID-free should give business owners and shoppers some peace of mind.”

Fouad said the two types of testing sites are ideally located near clusters of businesses, such as retail and shopping centers, and can be easily done for employees before and after business hours. Here is what businesses and business districts will need to accommodate the testing sites:

Onsite, Drive-Through Testing

• Ample size parking lot (60 to 80 yards) that does not impede traffic flow or interfere with business operations. Lots that are clear of staff or visitor cars are preferred.
• Restroom access for Live HealthSmart Alabama staff
• If testing is required for more than two days, storage for supplies is preferred. However, if it is not feasible, Live HealthSmart Alabama can coordinate loading and unloading.
• If testing occurs at 8 a.m. or any time before normal business operations, a designated contact will be required to let staff in the building for restroom and/or storage access.
• Wi-fi capabilities
• Minimum enrollment of 100 people

Onsite, Walk-up Testing (Inside or Outside)

• Wi-fi capability
• Handicapped accessibility
• Restroom access for Live HealthSmart Alabama staff
• Electrical outlets for surface pros, iPads, and cell phones
• Adequate space for parking to off load, load, and for the staff
• If testing is required for more than two days, storage for supplies is preferred. If not feasible, Live HealthSmart Alabama can coordinate loading and unloading.
• Large room to test and register (usually gym or recreation room)
• Six tables and 16 chairs
• If testing occurs at 8 a.m. or any time before normal business operations, a designated contact will be required to let staff in the building for restroom and/or storage access.
• Minimum enrollment of 100 people

More information, registration and frequently asked questions visit our group testing page. 

By bringing testing to places like Titusville, Bishop Roscoe is confident in the positive message this sends the community, “You are not forgotten. We know who you are.” Roscoe adds, “even if we don’t find anybody with the virus, we’ve done a service where the community feels like they haven’t been walked away from—it’s bigger than just testing.”