Walk up, swab, test at DPAC COVID test truck

The Durham Performance Arts Center, located in the heart of downtown Durham near so many businesses and homes, has partnered with the company Curative to help increase testing accessibility. The place where people can come to catch a show is now where they can walk up to get tested on the spot.

“The fact that they can catch the city bus to the downtown bus terminal and walk maybe a block or two over will absolutely increase accessibility,” said Donald Hughes, director of community voice with the Foundation of Health Leadership and Innovation.

Hughes' organization focuses on promoting successful health outcomes, especially in rural and marginalized communities.

“We need to think creatively and outside of the box, and I’m happy that city and county officials are taking the necessary steps to make sure that we are intentional,” he said.

Deborah Hilliard and her husband, James, were among the first in line after hearing about the new testing site on the news.

“It’s easy. I mean it’s easy. No line! That’s the best thing. Because we were expecting it to be lined up all the way from here to the (American) Tobacco campus,” said Deborah Hilliard.

They’re preparing to visit an elderly relative and got tested as a precaution.

“My mother is 95, and I was around somebody in the distance who had Covid, so I just wanna make sure that I don’t,” added James Hilliard.

They said they’ve seen an array of testing sites available in other counties and even know people who travel outside of Durham to get tested more quickly. They’re thrilled this is now another option here.

“I think it’s great it’s out here in downtown Durham and they’re popping up in other places, but I think when they’re placing them, they need to be aware of people who may not have transportation but maybe they should set them there a bus stop,” said Hilliard.

DPAC partnered with the company Curative which is focused on meeting people where they are to build health equity.

“There are communities that we know which have accessibility challenges whether it’s transportation, childcare or simply knowledge of the testing facility availability,” said Hughes.

He loves this effort and wants to see more of it.

“They should be in public housing communities. They should be at bus stops. They should be at grocery stores, in other places that we know the community members frequent for their basic necessities,” he added.

Though Durham is seeing a downturn is cases, Health Director Rod Jenkins said in his latest COVID update, the numbers are still concerning, and the fight is far from over.

“Testing is one of the most important things that we can do to help us get to the other side of this pandemic,” said Hughes.

Tests are available for free at the DPAC Mondays through Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You can check in at the window, swab and return it to the kiosk. Results come in between one to two days.