April 21st, 2020
Monroe County Executive Adam Bello and Public Health Commissioner Dr. Michael Mendoza were joined by Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren at a press conference today to announce a new initiative aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities related to COVID-19.
The partners in this initiative include Jordan Health, Trillium Health and the University of Rochester Medical Center. The following representatives participated in today’s press conference:
Dr. Laurie Donahue, Chief Medical Officer of Jordan Health
Dr. Robert Biernbaum, Chief Medical Officer of Trillium Health
Dr. Wally Johnson, Director of UR Medicine Primary Care Network
“We know that COVID-19 does not discriminate. Anyone can get it, regardless of age, income or background,” Bello said. “But, we also know some people are more vulnerable than others. This includes people of color.”
The COVID-19 outbreak has exacerbated existing racial and ethnic disparities, across America and in Monroe County. The percentage of local COVID-19 patients being hospitalized and sent to the ICU is disproportionately black and brown. Across the country, people of color are disproportionately dying from this disease.
“That is why Rochester Mayor Lovely Warren and I have been working together to rapidly expand access to COVID-19 evaluation and care within the City of Rochester,” Bello said.
The new initiative consists of two new Respiratory Health Clinics, one of which will soon include a mobile site, within the city limits.
Jordan Health launched the first clinic today, Tuesday, April 21, at the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center, 82 Holland St. It is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., by appointment only. It is open to existing Jordan Health patients.
Trillium Health is opening its clinic on Monday, April 27 at 259 Monroe Ave. Initially, the clinic will be open to existing Trillium patients. The clinic will be open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., by appointment only. Officials are expecting to accept appointments from the general public within a short timeframe. Trillium will also be adding a mobile clinic in the near future.
Personal protective equipment, testing swabs, laboratory services and logistical support are being provided by Monroe County and the University of Rochester Medical Center, among others.
