ChapCare Pasadena Opens New Community COVID-19 Testing Site

The City said Wednesday that as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s drive to add more community-testing sites focused on underserved communities across the state, a new Pasadena testing site has been opened at ChapCare’s Kathryn Barger Health Center located at 1595 N. Lake Ave.

This new site is one of 80 testing sites being opened across the state in collaboration with OptumServe, the federal government health services business of Optum, a leading health services innovation company.
“This testing site will help increase testing needs for individuals who have had limited access to COVID-19 tests up until now,” said Margaret B. Martinez, MPH, chief executive officer for ChapCare. “We’re thrilled to partner with the state, county, and OptumServe to help expand access in our communities while also helping meet California’s testing goals.”

To determine where to locate new testing sites, the state shared analysis on geographic distance, underserved populations, to address known disparities, and median income, so residents have access to testing regardless of socioeconomic status. That information was then evaluated with existing testing locations and the county’s priority to address high-risk populations, including nursing homes and shelters. The opening of the new site brings the total number in LA County to 36 testing locations.

“Expanding access to COVID-19 testing for Pasadenans is a key component of our strategy to gradually modify the Safer at Home Order,” said Ying-Ying Goh, M.D., director and health officer of the Pasadena Public Health Department. “We are appreciative of the support from our local and state partners to offer more testing.”

“Increased access to COVID testing is one of the many critical steps needed to keep Los Angeles County residents safe and help move us toward recovery,” said Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District, “The ChapCare health center in Pasadena is a great asset to the community and serves as a vital safety net in the region, as evidenced by the development of this much-needed testing location.”

OptumServe has extensive expertise in rapidly deploying and setting up health care services and has worked closely with the military under the leadership of former Army Surgeon General and retired Lieutenant General Patty Horoho, RN. At maximum capacity, OptumServe will be able to support up to 80 testing sites at one time throughout the state, increasing total testing capacity by more than 10,500 tests per day.

Testing will be by appointment only. You can schedule an appointment by calling (888) 634-1123 or by visiting https://lhi.care/covidtesting.