CHARLESTOWN, MA — After a storm destroyed the tent where NEW Health had held testing for the coronavirus, the health center executives are set to unveil a new tent on Tufts Street to help keep testing going for the foreseeable future, just in time for National Health Center week.
The unveil comes as Gov. Charlie Baker signed a $1 billion supplemental budget bill for pandemic expenses and to prepare health systems for a second wave of cases last week. The federal government is expected to reimburse the city, which means there will be no cost to the state, according to State Rep. Daniel Ryan who worked to ensured $500,000 in funding was included and designated to NEW Health’s testing sites in Charlestown and the North End.
The health center is the only provider in Charlestown to provide dental and vision to the community even if patients are uninsured, according to New Health spokespersons.
NEW Health has COVID-19 testing sites in the Charlestown and North End, which are open to patients and all residents of both neighborhoods, regardless of symptoms or insurance.
The Charlestown site (15 Tufts Street) is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 857-238-1100.