PHOENIX — “I just want to know if I’m sick or what, even if I have the antibody I want to know,” said Bridgitte Dennis.
Bridgitte is one of more than 70 people inside St Vincent De Paul’s Ozanam Manor getting that chance to be tested Tuesday.
Former Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame kicker Nick Lowery has teamed up with two healthcare partners to donate the antibody tests.
“I not only want to know about myself but be sure that other people, especially living in a situation like this, that other people are healthy,” said Bridgitte.
“They’ll know results in as little as 10 minutes,” said Dr Nancy Gaines-Dillard.
Dr Gaines-Dillard is leading the handful of volunteers administering the tests.
Folks begin with a questionnaire before a small amount of blood is drawn from their finger tip.
Bridgitte is eager for her results.
She’s currently working two jobs to get back on her feet and a positive test would certainly create a major issue.
“I’m just glad it’s so quick,” said Bridgitte during the test.
Within minutes, the reagent mixes with the drop of blood and a single line appears on the testing strip.
“You see here, one line, that means you’re negative,” said one of the volunteers to Bridgitte.
“Knowledge is power, I’m just glad to know that I’m healthy,” said Bridgitte.
Staff like Mary Chou-Thompson shared in the feeling when her test came back negative as well.
“It’s definitely a peace of mind in knowing that we as an organization have done a fairly good job of protecting our staff, our volunteers and guests,” said Chou-Thompson.
In total 79 people were tested, 39 residents and 40 staff. All came back negative.
Not only leaving with the knowledge they won’t be spreading the virus but an autograph from the man with the hall fame resume who helped make this all happen.
