Important COVID Testing information as of January 11, 2022:
Unity Health
- There is currently a shortage of available COVID testing supplies
- You are required to have a physician’s order to receive a COVID test
- An Antigen (Rapid) positive test is a positive COVID test. No need for a PCR test after a positive Antigen (Rapid)
- Unity Health is currently out of the monoclonal antibody infusion treatments
PLEASE CALL YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER (PCP) FOR COVID TESTING ORDERS
If you do not have a PCP, please call 501.278.8350
White County Health Unit (WCHU)
Antigen (Rapid) and PCR COVID testing:
- An appointment is required to be tested, call 501.268.6102 to schedule
- Remain in your car for curbside testing
- Call 501.268.6102 upon arrival
- A physician order is NOT required
- A PCR test is only performed if an Antigen (Rapid) test is negative
- A positive Antigen (Rapid) test is a positive COVID. No PCR test is needed
Take-Home COVID Tests
- WCHU offers take-home test kits as a curbside service
- You must call 501.268.6102 from the parking lot, and a test kit will be brought out to you if available
Visitors
August 5, 2021
The visitation policy for all Unity Health facilities allows patients to receive one visitor at a time, with the exception of two for New Life Center and none for COVID-positive patients.
- One visitor at a time with ER patients
- One visitor at a time for all other patients
- Two visitors at a time in the New Life Center
- We continue to restrict visitors to COVID-positive patients
All visitors inside a Unity Health facility must be masked at all times, even in the patient room - regardless of vaccination status.
Visitor access is limited to the Main Entrance | Monday-Friday | 5:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and the Emergency Department | seven days a week | 24 hours per day.
- Visitors are required to sign a logbook before visiting a patient.
- Do not visit loved ones if have fever or respiratory symptoms.
- Masks are required inside Unity Health facilities for all staff, vendors, and visitors regardless of vaccination status.
COVID-19 Drive-Thru Testing
The drive-thru is CLOSED as of Friday, October 15, 2021
PLEASE SEE YOUR PRIMARY CARE PROVIDER (PCP) FOR COVID TESTING
If you do not have a PCP, please call 501.278.8350
Vaccines
-> Hear From a Unity Health Pediatrician About Adolescent COVID Vaccines <-
Click here for vaccine information and resources
According to the Arkansas Department of Health All Arkansans age 12 or older are now eligible to receive the vaccine. Visit the ADH website here
Reach out to your local pharmacy or provider to let them know you need the vaccine. FIND A VACCINE LOCATION HERE
*Unity Health follows the Arkansas Department of Health's guidance for COVID-19 vaccinations.*
Unity Health has been an active COVID-19 testing facility since March 2020.
COVID-19 Testing Locations
Unity Health clinics continue to offer testing for COVID-19. Call your physician's office for instructions.
Two clinics are offering special services to their sick patients who need to be tested for COVID-19 and/or the Flu. If you currently have a healthcare provider at one of these clinics and have symptoms requiring testing, please follow the guidelines for each clinic.
Searcy Medical Center Testing: 2900 Hawkins Dr. Searcy
Sick patients who have symptoms of the flu or COVID-19 can call the clinic at 501.278.8350 and be screened and tested at their vehicles. If you are having symptoms of illness, please call the clinic from your vehicle when possible.
Family Practice Associates Testing: 3130 E. Race Ave. Suite 100 Searcy | 501.268.3232
Sick patients who have symptoms of COVID-19 can call and be tested in a drive-thru provided daily between 12-1p.m. Results are within 20 minutes. Patients with symptoms may also be seen and tested for the flu or COVID-19 in the dedicated testing and exam rooms within the clinic.
Telemedicine
Unity Health offers telemedicine services for those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or if symptoms worsen. A healthcare provider is available to discuss symptoms and the next steps.
Use the Telemedicine* link below for step-by-step instructions or click on the Telemedicine tab to the right to schedule a session.
COVID-19 Treatment
As of November 20, 2020, Unity Health - White County Medical Center at Searcy is now administering Bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody therapy for outpatient treatment of COVID-19. Unity Health currently has treatment dosages available at White County Medical Center Searcy and Harris Medical Center Newport locations, and are ordering additional treatments.
Bamlanivimab may be used to treat lab-confirmed symptomatic patients at high risk of progression to severe disease or hospitalization. The treatment was made available under FDA issued emergency use authorization as an investigational monoclonal antibody therapeutic. Unity Health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roddy Lochala explains, “This is the first time in the pandemic that we can treat someone as an outpatient to lower their risk of a severe outcome substantially.”
Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19, and who are at high-risk, should set a telemedicine visit with their Unity Health physician to discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment.
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The health and well-being of our patients and community is a top priority and Unity Health is working diligently to take all necessary precautions to continue to keep our patients, visitors and associates safe. With confirmed cases of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the state of Arkansas, Unity Health continues to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Arkansas Department of Health.
Our goal, especially during this season, is to prioritize the health and safety of all our patients, visitors, and associates. All Unity Health hospital and clinic locations are implementing the policies and procedures listed below for visitors and caregivers until further notice. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation to help keep our community safe during this time.
What is COVID-19?
According to the CDC, Coronavirus disease 2019 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Know the symptoms
People are at risk if they experience fever and/or respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain/pressure) OR have been in close contact with a confirmed coronavirus patient. According to the CDC, those with a higher risk are older adults, people with serious chronic medical conditions including heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
Prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Self-quarantine if possible
- Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after being in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Wear a face mask if you are sick
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
Have You Recovered from COVID-19?
Recovered COVID-19 patients may be chosen to participate in a clinical trial that could lead to treatments for patients battling COVID-19 through the donation of Convalescent Plasma. Please click here to register yourself as a potential plasma donor.
What is Convalescent Plasma?
According to the FDA, Convalescent plasma is the liquid part of blood that is collected from patients who have recovered from the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 patients develop antibodies in the blood against the virus. Antibodies are proteins that might help fight the infection. Convalescent plasma is being investigated for the treatment of COVID-19 because there is no approved treatment for this disease and there is some information that suggests it might help some patients recover from COVID-19. Learn more here: FDA.gov
Patients, be advised
COVID-19 Resources
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