This is the third in the EAGLE’s 10-part Coronavirus Heroes series. Every weekend, a new Coronavirus Hero will be featured. This week’s Coronavirus Hero is Jamie Vice Fortner, of RedMed Urgent Care Clinic.

Urgent Care Services have a unique role on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jamie Vice Fortner, FNP-C and Clinical Director for RedMed Urgent Care Clinic on Jackson Avenue, is working hard with her team to provide quality care for all patients. Looking ahead, RedMed is also offering the COVID-19 antibody test, an innovation in the fight against coronavirus.

Q: How has RedMed responded to the coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A: RedMed has made several changes to their processes to better serve the public during this trying and difficult time. We have implemented a sanitation policy to all our walk-in clinics to better protect our employees and patients. We offer simple convenience such as virtual visits with a provider from the comfort of home, curbside service, and testing for patients who meet the criterion. We also are following all the CDC guidelines and recommendations to handle the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q: What is something you, as an urgent care provider, want to share with readers about the effects of the coronavirus pandemic in the LOU?

A: We want our (patients) to stay healthy. This includes healthy diet and exercise while making sure you have your chronic and acute medical needs met. Other illness and injuries still affect us in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, and it is important to take charge in your care, whether you think it may be COVID-19 related or not. RedMed is available to see patients, COVID-19 related or not, with a wide array of health concerns or issues that we are ready to address.

Q: RedMed is one of the clinics in town that offers the coronavirus antibody test to patients. What are the criteria to receive this test? Have you had a good response to it so far?

A: Yes, we offer COVID-19 testing if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell. We also offer antibody testing for COVID-19 and there is not any criterion to meet to be antibody tested. The antibody test would show if you had been exposed to COVID-19 earlier in the year. We also offer self-pay options for patients who do not have medical insurance.

Q: Do you feel like you and your team, as front-line workers, are heroes? Why or why not?

A: A hero is courageous and puts the lives of others before themselves. Our team at RedMed goes above and beyond daily to provide exceptional care and excellent service. Safety is the top priority for both our staff and our patients. My team has heroic qualities in their everyday work and we will continue to support and serve our community.