The Aluminum Trailer Company (ATC Trailers) provided one of its RVs to Elkhart healthcare workers recently for use as a mobile COVID-19 testing center.
The Nappanee, Indiana-based manufacturer shared news about its partnership with the Center for Healing & Hope on Tuesday, May 19. ATC provided a Toy Hauler Fifth Wheel for use as a mobile testing facility to help uninsured communities in Elkhart County battle the coronavirus and spread of COVID-19.
“What’s unique about this operation is that the clinic is using the RV as a lab to conduct both antibody and molecular testing, with antibody test results in as soon as 15 minutes,” said Dounia Ardahji, marketing specialist at ATC.
The RV equips healthcare professionals administering tests with a sterile, secure, controlled base for their operations. The RV testing facility is located at the Plymouth United Church of Christ in Goshen at the corner of Plymouth and 6th Street.
“The ATC Toy Hauler is perfect for our antibody testing program because it provides us with enough room to set up our lab and keeps the environment at the right temperature to perform the tests,” said Missy Schrock, executive director of the Center for Healing & Hope. “If we did not have this RV from ATC, we would not be able to provide free testing to those who are uninsured in our community.”
Patients receiving tests are given an order number upon arrival and remain in their vehicles as they “drive-through” each test station. The clinic is using the RV to conduct both antibody and molecular testing, with antibody test results in as soon as 15 minutes.
“This will help us to understand whether someone has been exposed and if their body has mounted an immune response,” Schrock said.
Those without insurance who live in Elkhart County and meet eligibility requirements can pre-register for testing appointments by calling 574-216-1723. The clinic is currently testing Tuesdays from 10am – 12pm and Fridays from 2pm-4pm.
The Aluminum Trailer Company is an RV and trailer manufacturer based in Nappanee, IN for more than 20 years. ATC Trailers designs and produces custom aluminum trailers, with the addition of ATC Toy Haulers in 2015.
