Centene (NYSE: CNC) announced today a collaboration with Quest Diagnostics (NYSE: DGX), the world’s leading provider of diagnostic information services, to increase access to real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) COVID-19 testing in critical areas of need across the country. Through this collaboration, Centene will facilitate the distribution of 25,000 Quest COVID-19 test kits each week to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) in ten states or districts across the country.
“Testing is a critical part of containing the spread of COVID-19, and preventing future outbreaks,” said Michael F. Neidorff, Chairman, President and CEO of Centene. “We need to ensure every community has access to the testing they need, especially the most vulnerable and underserved populations.”
This collaboration leverages Centene’s extensive network of critical safety net providers to ensure that testing capacity is routed to where it is needed most. As part of the collaboration, Centene will provide oversight and training to ensure test kits are received and processed efficiently. Distribution of kits will begin May 4th, and Quest Diagnostics will conduct the COVID-19 testing through its network of laboratories across the United States.
“COVID-19 testing is critically needed in underserved communities and our collaboration with Centene will help ensure that necessary and life-saving diagnostic testing is available to address that need,” said Steve Rusckowski, Chairman, CEO and President of Quest Diagnostics. “We are committed to serving the testing needs of Federally Qualified Health Centers during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
This initiative is part of a broader set of actions that Centene is taking with key providers and stakeholders across the country to support safety net providers in addressing the pandemic.
“Gaining access to COVID-19 tests has been a challenge,” says Dr. Michael W. Brooks, The Family Health Centers of Georgia’s President & CEO. “This collaboration with Centene and Quest ensures we can keep fighting to make sure people are not left behind.” The Family Health Centers of Georgia serves more than 29,000 patients annually; 87% of whom are African American and 32% are uninsured. Brooks continues, “We are pleased to be able to offer these additional testing opportunities to our communities.”
Source: PR Newswire