Lake Charles, Louisiana, July 21, 2020 – Ochsner Health’s community testing has resulted in over 30,000 free COVID-19 swabs performed at sites across Louisiana. Thanks to the partnership between Ochsner Health and CHRISTUS Health Southwestern Louisiana, free community testing is coming to the Lake Charles area.

Testing is open to Louisiana residents, age 2 and older. Doctor’s orders are not required. People coming for testing are required to bring a picture ID and insurance card, if applicable. There are no out-of-pocket costs for those seeking a test and no one will be turned away based on their insurance status. Testing is available at the times listed or until all 100 test kits have been utilized for the day. For questions about community testing, please visit Ochsner.org/Testing.

The goal is to provide test results via the MyChart patient portal. Those who test positive can participate in Ochsner’s 14-day symptom tracker program designed for COVID-19 patients who do not require hospital care. Participants receive daily text messages to monitor symptoms and can be connected to a 24/7 nurse on-call line for additional support. In addition to offering community testing, Ochsner CHRISTUS Health has the following resources available:

• Free Ochsner information line at 844-888-2772 for 24/7 advice and COVID-19 information

• Schedule a primary care video visit with an Ochsner CHRISTUS Health provider and ask follow-up questions through secure messages using MyChart

• Urgent Care by video at www.ochsner.org/virtualvisits or via the Ochsner Anywhere Care app

• In-person appointments at several Ochsner CHRISTUS Health Centers in the Lake Charles area

To learn more about COVID-19, visit www.ochsner.org/coronavirus.

Testing schedules and/or locations are subject to change.

Friday, July 24 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CHRISTUS Senior Activity Center 4200 Nelson Rd., Building 189, Lake Charles, LA 70605

Saturday, July 25 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CHRISTUS Senior Activity Center 4200 Nelson Rd., Building 1891, Lake Charles, LA 70605

Friday, July 31 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CHRISTUS Senior Activity Center 4200 Nelson Rd., Building 1891, Lake Charles, LA 70605

Saturday, August 1 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

CHRISTUS Senior Activity Center 4200 Nelson Rd., Building 1891, Lake Charles, LA 70605

For more information about primary care services at Ochsner CHRISTUS Health Center, or to schedule an appointment, call (337)656-7876.