HEALTH DEPARTMENT, PUBLIC LIBRARY EXPANDING COVID-19 AT-HOME TEST KIT DISTRIBUTION

PIMA COUNTY, The Pima County Health Department and the Pima County Public Library are expanding their COVID-19 test distribution program to include every open library location, starting Monday, Dec. 5.

The County has been distributing at-home test kits at 12 library locations since the beginning of September. The public has picked up about 52,000 tests at the libraries.

“The Library is proud to support the Pima County Health Department in creating a healthier community,” said Michelle Simon, deputy director of support services for the Pima County Public Library. “Expanding our distribution of free COVID-19 test kits is a vital part of our efforts to connect people with public health information and resources.”

By utilizing the 26 library locations that are currently open to distribute test kits during each library’s hours of operations, Pima County is continuing its effort to provide fast, free COVID-19 testing to everyone. The Health Department recommends getting two tests for each family member. The test kits will be available at tables inside each library or by request at the service desk.

“It’s important that over the next couple of months, especially during holiday gatherings, that everyone have access to COVID-19 tests,” said Eddie Diaz, the Health Department’s health disparities program manager. “Ensuring that these tests remain free and conveniently available throughout the winter months when cases rise again is crucial in our effort to mitigate the spread of the virus in our community.”

COVID-19 cases have been rising in recent weeks, and the County continues to respond in other ways with vaccination at its public health clinics and through mobile events, expanded in-person testing at the Abrams Public Health Center, and oral medication for treatment. All those services are free.

Anyone can report the results of their at-home test, whether it was positive or negative, using the link found here.