FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Casey Curtis, Communications Coordinator

HOPE, AR – June 17, 2020

The Hempstead County Health Unit will be providing free COVID-19 testing on Saturday, June 20, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in front of Hempstead Hall on the University of Arkansas Hope campus. Area residents are encouraged to attend this free drive-thru testing event if they are showing COVID-19 symptoms or not. A free meal will be provided to the first 150 attendees who are screened.

"With the current rise in coronavirus patients in Arkansas, testing for the COVID-19 has been increased across the state. Hempstead Hall is here to serve the community in many ways, and we're happy to partner with the Health Unit to bring free testing to Hempstead County. The sooner we can return to a healthy Arkansas, the sooner we can continue serving the area with family-friendly entertainment and community events," said Amanda Lance, Director of Hempstead Hall & Workforce Development. ""

Those wishing to be tested should enter the campus from the South entrance by the electronic sign. Signs, volunteers, and the Hope Police Department will direct traffic from there. The University of Arkansas Hope campus will be closed to the public all day Saturday, June 20, except for those being tested. Closures include the campus Walking Trail and the Pavilion.

For more information, contact Debbie Howard, Arkansas Department of Health Hempstead County Health Unit Administrator at 870-777-2191 or [email protected].