Jordan Health Respiratory Clinic marks six months

Jordan Health on Saturday marked six months since the opening of its respiratory clinic at the Anthony L. Jordan Health Center. The clinic was opened at the request of Monroe County and the city of Rochester to help address the impacts of COVID-19 on the communities it serves.

More than 2,200 COVID-19 tests have been performed at the Jordan Health Respiratory Clinic. The results of the tests show a 6.1 percent positive rate in the African American community, a 5.38 percent positivity rate in the white community and a 3.25 percent positivity rate in the Latinx community.

People living in poverty have been shown to be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and poverty is a common thread among the communities Jordan Health serves, officials said.

“When compared to the COVID-19 positivity rate for Monroe County overall, which rose above 2.5 percent this week, the test results from our respiratory clinic paint a stark picture of the disproportionate way this virus impacts impoverished communities,” said Jordan Health CEO Janice Harbin. “We at Jordan Health have helped alleviate some of the health care challenges of underserved and uninsured individuals for over 100 years and we’re proud to have quickly mobilized to help some of the most vulnerable patients during this pandemic.”

The county and the city asked Jordan Health to address the pandemic in April and within two weeks a respiratory clinic was opened.

“The residents of Monroe County and the city of Rochester are fortunate to have dedicated professionals and (the) exceptional care of Anthony Jordan Health Center,” County Executive Adam Bello said in a statement. “Their efforts throughout the COVID-19 pandemic have provided countless people and families, particularly those of color who have been disproportionately impacted by the virus, with access to health screenings, testing and other preventative care measures.”

Monroe County on Thursday recorded 300 new COVID-19 positive tests, and the positivity rate now stands at 4.3 percent. With winter months approaching, officials have emphasized the importance of adhering to COVID-19 health and safety protocols such as wearing a mask, practicing social distancing and washing hands frequently.

“The recent rise in COVID-19 cases in our community proves that now is not the time to let our guard down and skip the steps we know work in preventing the spread,” said Laurie Donohue M.D., Jordan Health Center family medicine specialist. “Even small gatherings of family and friends at restaurants or bars or even at private homes have resulted in outbreaks when masks are not worn and social distancing is not properly implemented. As Thanksgiving approaches, we urge everyone to consider the wellbeing of our community and remember the necessary health protocols when making plans for the holiday.”

The Jordan Health Respiratory Clinic is open to the public on weekdays from 1 to 8 p.m.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer