This past Friday, CenterPlace Health confirmed their first patient with a positive test for COVID-19. At the time of testing, the patient was being treated at the health center’s North Port location. 

“While the patient was in our care, we followed infection control protocols established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,” said Melissa Parker, CEO, in a prepared statement. “This includes the use of personal protective equipment and the placement of the patient in a negative pressure room, away from other patients. Currently, the patient is in isolation and following her medical provider’s orders.”  

The patient was thankful for the caring and compassionate health care providers at CenterPlace Health.  “I was coughing uncontrollably and couldn’t talk.  I felt the nurse and Nurse Practitioner could see in my eyes my cry for help.  They were so amazing, they kept telling me it’s going to be ok; I’m going to be fine”, the patient said.  

“We want our patients to know we can provide COVID-19 testing and appropriate treatment and medication.  We are here for them during this crisis”, said Parker.  

“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved with this patient, as it was handled with the utmost professionalism and appropriate use of PPE and other protective measures.  Our team was diligent, and we were able to eliminate the risk of exposure to clients and staff alike,” said Samantha Mullens, RN, Site Manager.  

CenterPlace Health is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with three sites in Sarasota County providing primary health care services in adult health, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, dental and behavioral health.  CenterPlace Health (CPH) is the area’s largest primary care safety net provider for low-income and uninsured children, adolescents, adults and seniors. Without the services of an FQHC, uninsured or uninsured patients with limited means have limited options to receive primary care.