Maria Freeman of Harlem Task Force supports testing sites bill
Maria Freeman of the Harlem Legionnaires Task Force supports Intro 999 for temporary testing sites, arguing they could help low-income and senior populations who may lack insurance or feel intimidated seeking care at hospitals.
Hi, I'm Maria Freeman from Harlem Legionnaires Task Force, founding member.
I support the Councilman Harvey D.
Epstein's legislation 999, a local law to amend the administrative code of the New York City in relation to establishing
temporary Legionnaires disease testing sites and a digital map of testing sites.
I support the establishment of testing sites as they could be a good first place to land for people confused about where to go for Legionnaires'help.
Also known as pop-up screening, these testing centers could help many since Legionnaires'cases have typically occurred in communities of low income or with high senior
populations where local clinics may not be prepared to address Legionnaires.
Many may not have insurance or may not have their papers, so may feel intimidated going to health and hospitals.
Also, it was reported that calling 311 did not help people get to where they needed to go next.
Many walking around with flu-like symptoms could be walking around with the flu or Legionnaires, and they should be diagnosed so they could get further help.
The temporary test.
sites could be a first place to land for people confused about what next and where to go next for help and counseling.
Thank you so much.
Next.