Kroger Health will offer COVID-19 drive-through testing sites through the end of May. These sites are made possible through support from Kettering Health Network. The first testing site will occur on the campus of Kettering Medical Center in the Kettering College parking lot (3535 Southern Blvd., Dayton, OH 45429) Thursday, April 23 through Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

This site will test any person who is exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. In addition, all health care providers and first responders can be tested whether or not they are showing symptoms.

Community members can register at krogerhealth.com/covidtesting. This virtual screening tool is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and will help determine the individual’s eligibility for testing.

Those eligible can select the appropriate testing location and appointment time. Then, registrants will receive an email confirmation with pre-appointment paperwork. When the patient arrives for a test, they should have a photo ID ready and leave their windows rolled up for check-in. A healthcare practitioner will approach the car and alert the patient when to roll down their window.

The drive-thru testing location has a self-administered nasal swab that must be ordered and observed by a provider. Kroger determined this testing methodology is beneficial as it increases the number of tests while conserving the personal protective equipment utilized.

Test results are expected within approximately 48 hours and will be communicated by Kroger Health. The Kroger Health testing site on the campus of Kettering Medical Center will handle approximately 330 tests per day.

“This work, like all the work we do, is guided by our values and Our Promise to Feed the Human Spirit,” said Colleen Lindholz, President of Kroger Health. “As we continue to create partnerships that offer easy-to-access testing, we are proud of our commitment to serving our customers and our communities. Kroger and The Little Clinic will donate all professional services at the drive-thru testing facilities, including orders and observing the COVID-19 test.”

“When Kroger Health asked us to partner with them on COVID-19 testing sites, it really was an easy decision, as there is a great need for more testing sites in southwest Ohio,” said Fred Manchur, CEO and president of Kettering Health Network. “Kroger Health and Kettering Health Network are committed to promoting the health and well-being of our community. During this pandemic, one of the greatest needs is for increased access to testing. We are joining together to address that need.”

This onsite testing is supported with laboratory services provided by eTrueNorth, a contractor of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).