PIMA COUNTY, ARIZONA – The Pima County Health Department is extending its free COVID-19 Test to Treat program.
The program, launched June 23 in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), provides testing and access to treatment for COVID-19. The County's Test to Treat program was originally scheduled to run for a month, but the Health Department sought an extra month, through August 24, based on the response from the public.
Pima County had started 773 people on Paxlovid, an oral medication to treat COVID-19, as of July 20.
“We still see a need in our community, and we’re happy to continue to make this free resource available,” said Pima County Health Department Director Dr. Theresa Cullen. “This treatment is one of the important tools we have to mitigate the potential serious impacts of COVID-19.”
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.
Program hours are changing.
The East Clinic location and the phone number will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Note that the opening on Monday, July 25, will be at 1 p.m. The Test to Treat program will not be staffed on weekends.
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.