WASHINGTON - The Howard University College of Medicine and the District of Columbia Housing Authority have entered into a partnership to provide general health screenings and COVID-19 testing at several of its senior and disabled and family properties located in Ward 1. Faculty, providers, and students from Howard University College of Medicine and health sciences schools will use community and outdoor spaces to set up clinics within Garfield Terrace Family and Senior, LeDroit Apartments, Kelly Miller, and Park Morton properties beginning in October.

“The Howard University College of Medicine is proud to partner with the District of Columbia Housing Authority on what will become Howard’s third coronavirus testing project in the local community,” said Hugh E. Mighty, M.D., dean of the Howard University College of Medicine and vice president of clinical affairs.  “This initiative is aligned with Howard’s strategic plan to serve our community where they live and enables us to leverage the tech and innovation expertise of the 1867 Health Innovations Project to deliver virtual health services. These efforts are consistent with our mission of truth and service, which has endured for more than 150 years.”

These clinics, funded in part by DCHA through the CARES Act, will bring in-person and virtual primary care, general health screenings, COVID-19 testing, and other relevant medical information into communities where people may not have access during this critical time. The partnership also will establish a virtual health chronic disease management model for 20 residents at Garfield Terrace Senior and LeDroit Apartments that struggle with managing chronic conditions.

“The health and safety of our residents is of the utmost importance. This partnership is another way DCHA is working to eliminate barriers to healthcare, reduce health disparities, and make it easier for many of the District of Columbia’s most vulnerable residents to receive quality health services in their community,” said DCHA Executive Director Tyrone Garrett. “Many individuals have been unable to make preventive and primary health care visits while they stay home during the stay at home order, so DCHA is working to bring health care directly to our residents.”

The Howard University College of Medicine program is the second health partnership DCHA has undergone to enhance safety protocols already being instituted throughout DCHA’s portfolio.

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About Howard University

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced one Schwarzman Scholar, three Marshall Scholars, four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, 25 Pickering Fellows and more than 165 Fulbright recipients. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Sholnn Freeman, sholnn.freeman@howard.edu