Shepherd's Hope to offer free COVID-19 antibody tests

Shepherd's Hope is set to provide free COVID-19 antibody tests for the uninsured and underinsured this week.

The antibody tests will be administered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3. Those who wish to be tested will pull up to the front entrance of Shepherd's Hope's West Orange Health Center, located at 455 Ninth St., Winter Garden. Test results will be provided via text message within minutes.

Shepherd's Hope estimates up to 300 antibody tests will be available. Antibody tests require a drop of blood to determine whether at least one of the two main COVID-19 antibodies is present.

The organization has partnered with Medek Health, which has worked with other organizations around the country to provide FDA-authorized COVID-19 antibody test kits. According to a press release, Medek Health's test kits have proven to be among the most accurate.

"Shepherd’s Hope has been a leader in providing health care services to a population that is often missed by our health care infrastructure," said Stan Van Meter, CEO of Medek Health. "As large organizations use our test kits throughout the country, we believed partnering with Shepherd's Hope was a great opportunity to help fight COVID-19."

Pam Gould, Shepherd's Hope CEO and president, said the organization is working to expand its free medical services for the uninsured and underinsured to address increased demand.

"The pandemic and economic downturn continue to escalate the number of people who cannot afford health care," Gould said. "Our services will help ensure they have access to health care for medical and specialty treatment, preventive care and pandemic-related issues."