Health Department extends COVID-19 Test to Treat program again

Pima County, Arizona sent this bulletin at 08/18/2022 03:55 PM MST

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Health Department extends COVID-19 Test to Treat program again

PIMA COUNTY, Aug. 18, 2022 – The Pima County Health Department is extending its free COVID-19 Test to Treat program through Sept. 21.

This is the second extension of the program, which provides testing and access to oral antiviral treatment for COVID-19. The County launched the program June 23 in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The first extension ends August 24.

Pima County has started 1,354 people on oral medication to treat COVID-19, as of Aug. 17.

“This is one of the ways we can lessen the potential serious impacts of COVID-19,” said Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen. “The Health Department continues to respond to this community need.”

Individuals who already have a positive test (from an at-home test or a testing site) can call 520-724-7895 to determine eligibility for medication. They can also walk into the Health Department’s East Clinic, 6920 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite B, for an evaluation for COVID-19 treatment, and to get tested, if needed.

If individuals meet certain eligibility requirements, they immediately will receive a prescription for antiviral pills against COVID-19. There is no cost and no insurance required.

The East Clinic location and the phone number will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon.

Note that the clinic and phone line will be closed Saturday, Aug. 20, and over Labor Day weekend, Sept. 2 through Sept. 4.

People are potentially eligible for oral antiviral treatment after a positive test if:

  • They are 12 or older
  • Weigh at least 88 pounds
  • Have mild to moderate symptoms
  • Have a high risk of severe COVID-19 illness

Individuals will be asked to provide some general information, such as contact information and when they tested positive for COVID-19.

The oral medication available by prescription is effective against COVID-19 when started within five days of the start of symptoms.

Test to Treat is also available at some health care providers in Pima County as part of a nationwide, federal initiative. The County’s program helps ensure that those who don’t have easy access to care, or can’t see their usual health care provider, can get the timely treatment they need after a COVID-19 infection.

For more information on COVID-19 treatment, go to pima.gov/covid19treatment.

For more information on where to get tested for COVID-19 in Pima County, go to pima.gov/covid19testing. The COVID-19 testing site at Tucson International Airport will close after Aug. 19.