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Milwaukee alderman asks Ascension to provide free COVID-19 testing at St. Joseph's

Posted at 12:08 PM, Mar 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-25 13:22:43-04

MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee Alderman is asking for Ascension to provide free COVID-19 testing at its St. Joseph campus.

Alderman Khalif J. Rainey wrote a letter and asked Ascension Health Care to provide free COVID-19 tests for lower-income or uninsured people at St. Joseph Hospital.

According to Rainey, the 7th Aldermanic District is one of the hardest hit areas of the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is community-oriented health care of the first order and a decision proportionate to the gravity of the moment. I would ask that your organization consider a similar decision for your provider network, particularly at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Milwaukee,” Alderman Rainey states in his letter.

Rainey said that the coronavirus outbreak affects African Americans more than other groups in the city and region, specifically middle-aged African American men.

“(St. Joseph) is the only source of medical care for many of my own constituents and serves some of Milwaukee’s poorest residents, many of whom lack adequate insurance. This pandemic cannot, must not, become a death sentence for the poor and uninsured," said Rainey. "Knowing the long-standing commitment that your organization has made to Milwaukee, I know I can look forward to a positive outcome in this matter.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, there are 295 cases in Milwaukee County. To view a map for Milwaukee County cases, click here.

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