[NFBMI-Talk] FW: Corvid19 Testing Access

Sat Apr 18 22:35:59 UTC 2020

Fred,

This is something that I have tried to address directly to the public health departments in both Kalamazoo (where I live) and Allegan County (where I work).  Allegan County does not even have testing in that county and are sending people to Holland, Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo, which affects the population that I work with (the uninsured), who are likely also not to drive.  In my case, my wife and I are both blind and would likely have no form of transportation to get tested:  I can’t imagine a friend or family member would be willing to drive me if I was likely positive, the bus is no longer running, paratransit is screening out riders with symptoms, and Uber/Lyft would likely refuse me if I told them I was likely positive and needing to get tested.  This is a serious public health issue, and a piecemail solution like saying that each local center should make their own arrangements is not going to work.  There should be a state-wide contract with some form of non-emergency medical transport provider that could transport those with disabilities, blind persons or even those without transportation, even if there is a reasonable fee attached to that service.  I hope this issue reaches the higher levels of government, because my efforts locally have fallen on deaf ears:  I keep being told that they are doing the best they can to keep their workers safe, which I understand, but as it stands now I would probably have to call an ambulance if symptoms got so bad that I couldn’t manage, and likely wouldn’t be able to access testing at all if the symptoms were manageable.

Thanks
Victor

> On Apr 18, 2020, at 5:21 PM, Fred Wurtzel via NFBMI-Talk <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> 
> 
> I read an article, below, about drive through testing for Corvid 19 around
> the state.  I am concerned that blind folks have access whether or not we
> are in a car.
> 
> 
> 
> I reached out to Bill Robinson, Director of Michigan Bureau of Services for
> Blind Persons (BSBP) because I am concerned about the large numbers of
> services being provided via a "drive up" lane.  Corvid19 testing is of
> particular concern since it will, over the next few months, become more and
> more important to everyone as we decide how to live our daily lives.  I
> called the Ingham County Health Department to find out if a person could
> walk up for a test.  I was told that it was from a car, only.  So, I wrote
> to Bill since he is inside Michigan Government and is the visible
> representative within government for blind persons.  I am pleased with his
> responsiveness and attention to this issue.
> 
> 
> 
> At the end is a list of testing sites as of the date of the release.  There
> may be more by now since they are trying to open more sites all the time.
> Each of you may wish to call the number for your area to determine what is
> happening for you.  I only called Ingham County.  The more calls they get
> the more importance they will put on accessibility for everyone.  To me, the
> standard is to have access on a par with anyone driving through.
> 
> 
> 
> Below is an edited version of his replies.  Of course, they are in newest to
> oldest order.    I edited out all the email stuff, but left the pertinent
> information as it came to me.
> 
> 
> 
> Warmest Regards,
> 
> 
> 
> Fred
> 
> 
> 
> From: Robinson, William (LEO) [mailto:RobinsonW7 at michigan.gov] 
> Subject: RE: Corvid19 Testing Access
> 
> 
> 
> During our call today there was a FEMA hosted call that I asked one of my
> team to attend.  I asked them to raise the question of accessibility of
> testing sites. They did not get a chance to ask the question as I had framed
> it using your input and our collective concerns however here is what FEMA
> said about it:
> 
> Disability Access Concerns Questions: 
> 
> FEMA ODIC: Linda Mastandrea- Physical access to testing sites: It is
> important to identify gaps in service as it relates to testing sites so that
> we can identify solutions. We know there are issues with drive up testing
> sites- blind and visually impaired may not be able to access the sites if
> they are strictly drive up and similar to individuals who use public
> transportation and are in wheelchairs with ramps in the back of the vans,
> they cannot easily access the sites. Some sites have made policy adjustments
> to address issues and have come up with solutions at the local levels. HHS
> Feedback: That is a very good point about the drive up, HIPPA guidance
> addresses walk up with the drive-up testing sites so that everyone can be
> assisted equally. This requires some thought through. Same with making sure
> hospitals have DME (durable medical equipment) for individuals with
> disabilities or mobile devices that may be needed. Reasonable standards are
> still in play, but it is important to note that sometimes what is reasonable
> under an emergency circumstance can be tough, but none-the-less it should
> still be followed. For example: It does not take much money to ensure the
> testing sites are walk-up rather than strictly drive-up. The guidance came
> out on March 28 and we do want to update it and have the appetite to do so,
> but the wheels of government turn so slowly. 
> 
> 
> 
> Also here are some helpful links that my team pulled as well as they did
> some research
> 
> On another note: Caitlin tested the accessibility of the "Self-Checker" tool
> found on the CDC website and another one which was published by the City of
> Chicago. She determined that the City of Chicago site read clearly. I pasted
> the links below as well as her responses. These might be good resources to
> share with participants who seek such a tool to help guide them in making
> decisions and seek appropriate medical care:    
> 
> 
> 
> CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/testing.html
> <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.g
> ov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fsymptoms-testing%2Ftesting.html&data=02%7C01%
> 7CRobinsonW7%40michigan.gov%7C533f745b75f448bcfe6208d7e2483c91%7Cd5fb7087377
> 742ad966a892ef47225d1%7C0%7C0%7C637226672487801471&sdata=HdXHwtScxG3XcleOPzT
> ubQBG2as9W1Lnv%2FzJGyBupqA%3D&reserved=0>  
> 
> The first web site from the CDC read very well with JAWS.  I am using the
> most current version of JAWS, which is JAWS 2020.  I opened this site in
> Firefox and Internet Explorer on the state laptop and in Chrome on my
> personal laptop.  My personal laptop runs an earlier version of JAWS, but it
> still can receive updates for this version.  Anyway, I was able to read
> everything: links, buttons, headings, and the like were labeled.
> Information displayed if I pressed enter on links.  However, the "self
> checker" was problematic in all cases of using JAWS and any browser.  A
> message appeared, stating something about how I'd have to agree to given
> parameters before continuing.  It also mentioned some partnership with CDC
> and Microsoft.  No matter what I did, that is, no matter the browser,
> version of JAWS, or keystroke, I could not access the "I agree" portion
> independently.
> 
> 
> 
> City of Chicago:
> https://publichealth.uic.edu/uic-covid-19-public-health-response/covid-19-re
> sources/accessible-covid-19-testing-decision-chart/
> <https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpublichea
> lth.uic.edu%2Fuic-covid-19-public-health-response%2Fcovid-19-resources%2Facc
> essible-covid-19-testing-decision-chart%2F&data=02%7C01%7CRobinsonW7%40michi
> gan.gov%7C533f745b75f448bcfe6208d7e2483c91%7Cd5fb7087377742ad966a892ef47225d
> 1%7C0%7C0%7C637226672487801471&sdata=v4PNtMeeiZB%2BaykOhO6qiLLc0cFqgmJUaQ3xS
> 0hoSYk%3D&reserved=0>  
> 
> The second web site also read very clearly with JAWS.  I checked it using IE
> and Chrome.  The drop-down menu read accurately and I could move between the
> yes and no options.
> 
> 
> 
> I hope this is helpful.
> 
> My best,
> 
> Bill
> 
> 
> 
> From: Fred Wurtzel <f.wurtzel at att.net <mailto:f.wurtzel at att.net> > 
> Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 11:09 AM
> To: Robinson, William (LEO) <RobinsonW7 at michigan.gov
> <mailto:RobinsonW7 at michigan.gov> >
> Subject: RE: Corvid19 Testing Access
> 
> 
> 
> Hi Bill,
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks for the very quick response.  
> 
> 
> 
> Regarding your question about resolutions, I hesitate to try to engineer a
> solution.  This is a complicated, to me, matter which will need to involve
> experts in infection control, etc.  To me, either of your ideas seem
> feasible, though, as you say, number 2 defeats the quick turn-around of the
> quick testing as described.  
> 
> 
> 
> I think the important point is that the health care system includes persons
> with disabilities, in this case, blind people, in their planning. 
> 
> 
> 
> Again, thanks for getting back to me.
> 
> 
> 
> Warmest Regards,
> 
> 
> 
> Fred
> 
> 
> 
> From: Robinson, William (LEO) [mailto:RobinsonW7 at michigan.gov] 
> Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 11:01 AM
> To: Fred Wurtzel <f.wurtzel at att.net <mailto:f.wurtzel at att.net> >
> Subject: RE: Corvid19 Testing Access
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks Fred. I will see if I can get someone's attention and get back to
> you. Would it be feasible to either -
> 
> 1)   Offer a first responder administer the test; and/or
> 
> 2)   An overnight delivery of the test with an overnight pouch for return
> 
> 
> 
> I understand 2 may appear slower but that may be the only alternative if
> very rural area.
> 
> 
> 
> William A. Robinson, III
> 
> Director, Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (BSBP)
> 
> 
> 
> From: Fred Wurtzel <f.wurtzel at att.net <mailto:f.wurtzel at att.net> > 
> Sent: Monday, April 13, 2020 10:57 AM
> To: Robinson, William (LEO) <RobinsonW7 at michigan.gov
> <mailto:RobinsonW7 at michigan.gov> >
> Cc: 'Mark Eagle' <markaeagle at yahoo.com <mailto:markaeagle at yahoo.com> >;
> 'Mark Grebner' <mark.grebner at gmail.com <mailto:mark.grebner at gmail.com> >;
> 'Murphy, Laura' <Laura.Murphy at mail.house.gov
> <mailto:Laura.Murphy at mail.house.gov> >; 'Michael Powell'
> <mpowell7583 at yahoo.com <mailto:mpowell7583 at yahoo.com> >
> Subject: Corvid19 Testing Access
> 
> 
> 
> Hello Bill,
> 
> 
> 
> I just called the Ingham County Health Department on the number listed below
> regarding "drive-through- Corvid19 testing.  There is a relatively
> complicated process to access testing.  If, following the process, the
> person is determined eligible for a test they must utilize a drive-through
> facility operated by Sparrow Hospital.  
> 
> 
> 
> I asked if there is any provision for someone who does not drive.  They said
> there is not.  I only called the Ingham County number.  I did not check any
> of the other Michigan sites.
> 
> 
> 
> I feel there ought to be provisions for persons who do not drive.  I will do
> anything I can to assist in assuring that blind folks who do not drive have
> equal access to testing.  I am writing to you since you are inside state
> government and will have better channels to address this matter than I Or
> anyone from the NFB of Michigan presumably do.
> 
> 
> 
> Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide.
> 
> 
> 
> Warmest Regards,
> 
> 
> 
> Fred
> 
> 
> 
> Michigan planning to open 9 new drive-thru test sites By Adrienne Roberts
> Detroit Free Press 
> 
> 
> 
> The state of Michigan will open nine new drive-thru coronavirus testing
> sites across the state and will expand testing capacity in Detroit, an
> announcement that comes a day after the state saw its deadliest day so far
> during the novel coronavirus pandemic. 
> 
> 
> 
> Few details were made available about the Detroit site's location or opening
> date, but it will aim to test at least 750 people a day. New drive-thru
> sites will open in Atlanta, Bad Axe, Battle Creek, Bay City, Benton Harbor,
> Jackson, Kalamazoo and Traverse City on Monday, and in Flint on Wednesday.
> Drive-through testing sites already operating in Grand Rapids, Lansing and
> Saginaw will be expanded. 
> 
> 
> 
> "Better access to testing and quicker results are critical to our public
> health officials who are fighting coronavirus and to our residents who have
> symptoms of COVID-19 and need answers, treatment and peace of mind," said
> Michigan Gov. Whitmer in a press release. "More testing will save lives." 
> 
> 
> 
> The testing sites, made available through a partnership with the state of
> Michigan, health centers, Michigan Primary Care Association and NxGen
> Laboratory in Grand Rapids, will increase Michigan's daily COVID-19 testing
> capacity by about 40%. Each site will plan to test more than 100 people per
> day starting Monday, the release said. 
> 
> 
> 
> Detroit offers drive-through testing for residents and others who have a
> doctor's prescription at the State Fairgrounds site near 8 Mile Road and
> Woodward Avenue. The city of Detroit was also the first city in the country
> to begin using the kits from Abbott, which produce results in about 15
> minutes.  A standard test would take days to produce results. 
> 
> 
> 
> There are criteria to be tested at the sites. People should first contact
> the site's patient screening telephone line or their health care provider
> before driving to the site, the release said. Hospitalized patients
> Symptomatic healthcare workers Patients in congregate facilities with
> symptoms, including those at: Long-term care or elderly living facilities,
> jails or prisons, homeless shelters, residential foster care facilities,
> other group living settings Patients age 65 and older with symptoms Patients
> with underlying conditions with symptoms First responders with symptoms
> Critical infrastructure workers with symptoms 
> 
> 
> 
> Drive-through test locations across Michigan: 
> 
> 
> 
> Atlanta (between Gaylord and Alpena): Thunder Bay Community Health Service,
> 11899 M-32, 989-733-6827. 
> 
> 
> 
> Bad Axe: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, 876 N. Van Dyke Rd, 989-623-0137. 
> 
> 
> 
> Battle Creek: Grace Health, 181 W. Emmett St., 269-441-3463. 
> 
> 
> 
> Bay City: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, 3884 Monitor Rd, 989-671-2000. 
> 
> 
> 
> Benton Harbor: InterCare Community Health Network, 800 M-139, 855-869-6900. 
> 
> 
> 
> Flint: Atwood Stadium, parking lot entrance off West 1st Street, details to
> come. Opens Wednesday. 
> 
> 
> 
> Grand Rapids: Cherry Health, 200 Sheldon Street SE, 616-965-8347. 
> 
> 
> 
> Jackson: Center for Family Health, 505 N. Jackson St., 517-748-5363. 
> 
> 
> 
> Kalamazoo: Family Health Center, 117 W Paterson St., 269-488-0804. 
> 
> 
> 
> Lansing: Ingham Community Health Centers, 2316 S. Cedar St., 517-887-4517. 
> 
> 
> 
> Saginaw: Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, 501 Lapeer Ave., 989-293-3492. 
> 
> 
> 
> Traverse City: Northwest Michigan Health Services, 10767 Traverse Highway,
> 231-642-5292.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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