Seattle, Wash.— Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) received 200 COVID-19 test kits from King County Public Health today, which will allow the organization to test patients who cannot or are unwilling to get tested elsewhere. The following statement from Esther Lucero, CEO of Seattle Indian Health Board, can be quoted in part of in full.

“Seattle Indian Health Board (SIHB) is doing everything possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19 while ensuring our community feels supported and has access to all available resources.” 

“As an Urban Indian Health Program and an Indian Health Care Provider, we believe increased access to testing for our community is necessary because we are a trusted clinic for the American Indian and Alaska Native population.“ 

“Because SIHB does not have the capacity to conduct drive-through testing—and because of the limited number of test kits we are receiving—we will provide initial testing for SIHB patients and Chief Seattle Club members to ensure our elders, homeless relatives, and people at highest risk for complications due to the virus have the ability to be diagnosed and treated appropriately.” 

“We also plan to contact our tribal partners in the area to determine how SIHB can support them in their effort to keep their tribal members safe and healthy during this time.” 

“For the safety of our patients, staff, and community, we are encouraging all patients to call us first to discuss their condition before visiting our clinic.” 

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Contact 

media@sihb.org
206-324-9360 Ext. 3024

About SIHB’s screening and testing process 

SIHB has been encouraging all its patients to call first to receive an over-the-phone screening before visiting its clinic, to determine the need for an appointment for an in-person visit and possible testing. Most people with mild to moderate symptoms are encouraged to stay home if they do not warrant hospitalization or do not meet  criteria  for testing, as advised by public health guidelines.  Walk-in patients are screened outside the doors of SIHB’s clinic. Any patients experiencing symptoms (cough, fever, or other respiratory problems) are instructed to enter through a designated entrance and are scheduled for an appointment with the respiratory provider to determine if testing is necessary and make a care plan. 

Learn more about the SIHB’s efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.