Heartland Health Services will soon be offering expanded COVID-19 testing in Peoria.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Thursday a number of federally-qualified health sites across Illinois would receive expanded testing, including the Peoria-based clinic.
"One of the great partners that are available are our federally-qualified health centers that focus on neighborhoods and populations that are very vulnerable," said Peoria City/County Health Department Administrator Monica Hendrickson on Thursday. "And so here locally, Heartland Health Services is one of those partner agencies that is looking to expand testing opportunities."
The governor also expanded testing criteria to all with COVID-like symptoms - even without a doctor's order. Those with mild symptoms are still encouraged to consult with a doctor over the phone first. Testing is free.
Hendrickson said she expects Heartland to launch the expanded testing program in the next few weeks, though she's not sure if it will be a drive-up clinic, walk-in, or another delivery method.
"I know they're in discussions right now to discuss what kind of mechanism and method they're going to be using, but I know they are looking at what best serves the public in general," she said.
The announcement comes a day after Pastor Marvin Hightower, president of the Peoria NAACP branch, publicly called for an expanded COVID-19 testing site in the South Side, East Bluff, or central Peoria. He said many people, and particularly African Americans, were unable to get tested in Peoria despite COVID-like symptoms. He also said the Bloomington testing site was too far for those who rely upon public transit.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth (D-Peoria) thanked the governor Thursday for listening to the community's concerns.
Hendrickson said she doesn't know which clinics will have COVID-19 testing available, but she believes some locations won't offer it so they can continue to conduct other routine business. Heartland Health Services has eight locations throughout Peoria and Pekin.
It's unclear how many tests will be available per day. The federally-funded Bloomington drive-thru site has an allotment of around 250 tests a day, but the Peoria testing site will be supplied by the state.
More sites will also come online in Chicago and its suburbs, and southern Illinois.
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