LANSING, Mich. – To help remove barriers and ensure more Michiganders have access to COVID-19 outpatient treatments, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering a Test to Treat program at 13 locations across the state that offer no-cost testing and telehealth services.

“Early access to these medications helps support faster recovery and decreases the risk of hospitalization,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, MDHHS chief medical executive. “COVID-19 treatments are most effective at preventing severe illness when taken as soon after symptoms start. This program provides Michiganders with limited access to a health care provider the ability to be evaluated and treated for COVID-19, rapidly, confidentially and at no-cost.”

Michigan is the first state to launch this federal initiative at neighborhood testing sites that provide rapid access to no-cost COVID-19 antiviral medications.

“Through a partnership between the State of Michigan, the U.S. Army and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, telehealth is enabling easy access to these life-saving medications," said Matt Quinn, Science Director of the Army's Telemedicine & Advanced Technology Research Center.

Test to Treat sites allow individuals to access testing, a health assessment and medication prescriptions all in one visit. Michigan residents who test positive for COVID-19 at these locations will be able to utilize telehealth services on-site.

The health care provider will talk to the individual who tests positive, and through a confidential conversation that includes reviewing health history and current medications, the provider will determine whether the individual is eligible for antiviral treatment. The provider will then submit a prescription to a pharmacy close to the site, chosen by the individual.

The telehealth testing sites are located as follows:

·         Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus, 8200 West Outer Drive. Detroit

·         Word of Life Church, 460 West Atherton Road, Flint.

·         Albion College-Washington Gardner, 401 East Michigan Avenue, Albion.

·         New Beginnings Deliverance Ministry, 2609 E. Genesee, Saginaw.

·         Macedonia Baptist Church, G5443 North Saginaw Street, Flint.

·         Westwood Mall, 3020 US-41, Marquette.

·         New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, 33640 Michigan Avenue, Detroit.

·         International Gospel Center, 375 Salliotte Road, Ecorse.

·         Bethel Baptist Church, 5715 Holcomb Street, Suite 33, Detroit.

·         Southwestern Church of God, 3032 Fort Street, Detroit.

·         Christ Temple Church, 412 East Sherman Boulevard, Muskegon.

·         Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1105 East Main Street, Benton Harbor.

·         Calvary Lutheran Church, 8129 Packard Avenue, Warren.

There are many COVID-19 treatment options available. Individuals who are at high-risk of developing severe symptoms from COVID-19 infection are encouraged to discuss these options with the health care provider.

The criteria used to select the communities offering telehealth services include:

1. A High Social Vulnerability Index.

2. A high percentage of people over age 50 tested at the identified site.

3. Locations in with limited access to health care sites outside of emergency departments.

4. Sites with a high testing throughput.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, treatments and vaccination, visit Michigan.gov/Coronavirus.

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Test to Treat telehealth NR.pdf