Mass COVID-19 Testing Now Available for Akwesasne

Jul 30, 2020

AKWESASNE — The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe announced that it has entered into COVID-19 Mass Testing contracts with local health providers for ALL Akwesasne residents and employees of local businesses. Arrangements were finalized this week with Massena Hospital and Mountain Medical Urgent Care; located in Massena, New York and Malone, New York. Akwesasne residents may contact them directly to schedule their own testing.

“The efforts of the Tribe’s Health Services since the pandemic began has been to protect the health and safety of our community. Until this time, our own ability to test has been limited to individuals exhibiting symptoms and those who were directly exposed. The arrangements made this week expand our testing capabilities through partnering health agencies for anyone living or working in Akwesasne,” stated Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services Director Michael Cook.

Akwesasne residents on both sides of the border are eligible to receive tests with the local providers. Individuals must bring a tribal identification care, Band Card, or Nation Red Card to the testing site and state you are a resident of Akwesasne. Non-Member residents of Akwesasne are also eligible under the contract and should bring their drivers license to the testing site.

Non-member employees of the Tribe or the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne (MCA) can also receive testing and should bring their employee badges to the testing site. Non-member employees of member-owned businesses licensed or registered with the Tribe or the MCA are eligible for testing and business owners must contact the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to share employee rosters for contracted providers.

“We ask that everyone be tested as a matter of public health, so that we may identify asymptomatic cases and better understand our overall infection rates,” stated Tribal Council. They added, “This contract is in the best interest of community safety, so casino associates and employees of the many local businesses are welcome and encouraged to take advantage of the testing program.”

If you would like access to a COVID-19 test you must schedule your own appointment with either Massena Hospital at (315) 769-4321 or Mountain Medical at (518) 521-3322. There is no cost to you or any need to provide insurance information or cash deposits.

The turnaround time for tests has been increasing due to the national numbers on the increase from around the country. The time to receive test results is from 2 to 10 days.

If you have a verified direct exposure to a person testing positive and /or have possible symptoms you are urged to contact your primary provider for guidance and be practicing self-quarantining.

Any questions regarding accessibility of the Mass Testing contracts should be directed to Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services at (518) 358-3141 or the Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center at (518) 320-0019.

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