COVID-19 continues to spread across Western North Carolina (WNC), making rapid identification of the infected as critical as ever. In order to stop the spread of the virus, rapid and reliable testing must be combined with social distancing, contact tracing, and isolation of the sick.
However, the beautiful mountain region of WNC is home to rural, underserved, and minority communities who may experience barriers to accessing rapid and reliable testing. It is the mission of CommunityLab to remove barriers to testing, so that all residents of WNC can receive the care they deserve, and our community can thrive.
Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of all WNC residents, including underserved populations such as minority and rural communities through innovative, research-driven, and evidence-based tests.
The development of CommunityLab and collaboration with the WNC community is driven by the targeted investment and support of Dogwood Health Trust. Dogwood’s care and commitment to the health of WNC citizens and Sanesco’s mission to improve quality-of-life through innovative clinical tools was a perfect match to meet the needs of our community.
Community-based health care is an essential part of primary care at all times. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the distinct capacity of trusted community members for social engagement and delivering care where it is needed is ever more critical. CommunityLab works with a variety of healthcare organizations to support their efforts to distribute needed care to all.
In WNC, there are underserved minority and rural populations as well as large groups of vulnerable individuals. It is our goal to help expand COVID-19 testing services available to these groups. The forming of community partnerships will enable us to extend our rapid mobile testing events to these groups in an effective, thoughtful, and considerate manner.
Coming Soon- CommunityLab will have the capacity to offer rapid testing events for businesses.
Our locally-based businesses are essential for keeping our region running and play a vital role in helping our area open and operate again…safely. CommunityLab is happy to partner with businesses to help ensure their staff and customers are safe, so they can do the work needed for our community.
Communities of all types are found in our region ranging from religious-based groups to clubs to dance troupes and everything in between. You are missing your members and want to be able to gather again safely to enjoy your common interests. CommunityLab understands the mental and emotional needs fulfilled by these groups. That is why we are happy to partner with any size group, large or small.
SARS-CoV-2 has had an unprecedented impact on educational institutions, resulting in schedule changes, virtual/remote learning, and team-based sports restrictions. CommunityLab has the ability to provide rapid results for large groups, which will allow students, athletic programs, faculty and staff the opportunity to safely move about the community and travel for things such as sports or to visit loved ones. We are currently working with various partners to bring testing to the Spring semester of regional colleges and universities.