Study aimed at increasing COVID-19 testing in churches moves forward A study focused on increasing testing for Covid-19 in underserved populations is moving into its next phase and last updated 2021-05-20 09:41:21-04 KANSAS CITY, Mo. â A study focused on increasing testing for COVID-19 in underserved populations is moving into its next phase. The study, operated by the University of Missouri-Kansas City, is funded by a $1.9 million dollar grant and partners with 16 Kansas City area churches to promote and expand testing in low-income areas of the city. Dr. Jannette Berkley-Patton is overseeing the project, and said while attention is on vaccinations, testing for the virus is still important.