To help provide additional testing resources to underserved areas of the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering on a pilot project with libraries across the state to offer free, at-home testing kits for Michiganders.
“We are continuing to find innovative ways to provide Michiganders with opportunities to protect themselves from COVID-19,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “Testing is an important tool to limit the spread of the virus and we encourage residents to visit participating library locations to get their test kit.”
Last week, nearly 5,500 test kits were shipped to 18 libraries in Calhoun, Clare, Newaygo, Oceana and Saginaw counties and the City of Detroit. Each site received 300 COVID-19 at-home test kits that each include one test. Additional kits will be shipped to these sites as needed and more libraries will be added to the distribution in the coming weeks. Information will be posted at Michigan.gov/coronavirus.
Demand for test kits is high across the state and country, especially as Michigan experiences another wave of COVID-19 infections. This initial distribution of tests to select library branches will inform MDHHS’ approach to formalizing and sustaining the project going forward in partnership with the Michigan Library Association.
“This partnership is just one more tool to keep our school communities safe,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan’s chief medical executive. “Along with the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine, mask wearing and social distancing, take-home testing allows Michiganders easy access to testing.”
“With the proper protocols for distribution and pickup in place, we believe that this will be a great opportunity for libraries that want to participate to get involved as distribution points in their communities,” said Deborah E. Mikula, executive director of the Michigan Library Association. “Many of our libraries are ready to provide access to these test kits for our most vulnerable citizens and have been asking for some time how to get involved.”
Test kits are limited at each location and are available on a first come, first served basis. Michiganders are asked to take one kit per person, up to five per household. To obtain a test kit, visit the local libraries during business hours:
• Detroit Public Library, 5201 Woodward Avenue
• Detroit Public Library - Campbell, 8733 Vernor Highway
• Detroit Public Library - Edison, 18400 Joy Road
• Detroit Public Library - Jefferson, 12350 East Outer Drive
• Detroit Public Library - Parkman, 1766 Oakman Boulevard
• Detroit Public Library - Redford, 21200 Grand River
• Detroit Public Library - Wilder, 7140 East 7 Mile Road
• Detroit Mobile Library, various locations
• Taylor Community Library, 12303 Pardee Road
To find a local testing site, visit Search Results (solvhealth.com). In addition, community popup testing sites are listed at Coronavirus - Community Based Pop-Up Rapid Antigen Testing Events (michigan.gov), which includes testing at welcome centers, airports and 22 neighborhood testing sites across the state.
