Kroger Health Launches COVID Testing Program
(photo courtesy of Kroger)
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe healthcare division of Cincinnati-based The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) is launching a testing program it says will help companies restart and maintain their business operations. Kroger Health says COVIDCare Plus is centered around its recently-launched COVID-19 Test Home Collection Kit.
Kroger Health says the program is a response to a growing need for increased testing with faster results.
“We know testing continues to be a critical pillar in the fight against COVID-19,” said Colleen Lindholz, president of Kroger Health. “And yet, our country faces ongoing challenges to keep pace with demand. At Kroger Health, we are grateful to be part of the solution by providing employers with COVID-19 testing that has a short turnaround time. This is paramount to keeping American businesses open and people at work.”
The home collection kit, which received an Emergency Use Authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year, involves a telehealth consultation with a licensed healthcare professional who can supervise sample collection.
The samples are then sent to Kroger Health’s partner, Kentucky-based Gravity Diagnostics, which will provide results within 24-48 hours.
Kroger Health says COVIDCare Plus will also offer employers and employees access to clinical services, including vaccinations, telehealth and telenutrition. The organization says making such services available is part of an effort to help fight chronic disease.
“We are solving for the pandemic while building for the epidemic,” Lindholz said. “COVID-19 is our clear focus in the short term and we have a strong plan in place to help drive our country’s recovery efforts. However, we know that – now more than ever – a focus on health and wellness needs to become an ongoing way of life for all of us. That’s why we are committed to providing organizations with the services we know their employees and stakeholders need to stay healthy.”
The retail healthcare organization says COVIDCare Plus is currently available in 17 states and more will be added soon.