PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA – The Pima County Health Department is extending its free COVID-19 Test to Treat program, although there will be some changes.
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.
The County program will pause after Sept. 20 and resume Monday, Sept. 26, with a continuation of the call-in option at 520-724-7895, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Health Department’s East Clinic will no longer provide in-person testing and prescriptions as it has since the program launched June 23 as a 30-day effort in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Since the June launch, Pima County and FEMA agreed to two 30-day extensions, the latter of which ends Sept. 20.
In the past three months, most people used the phone number to seek prescriptions for COVID-19 treatment.
“The Health Department believes Test to Treat is an important resource for the community and is happy to continue to use its resources to offer this option, which can help people avoid serious outcomes from COVID-19,” said Pima County Health Department Director Theresa Cullen. “And we want to thank FEMA, which has been a valuable partner through the pandemic, helping us provide COVID-19 vaccination, testing and treatment.”
The Health Department has started 1,611 people on oral medication through its Test to Treat program as of Sept. 16.
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. 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.
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.
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.