MDHHS Partnering With Michigan Libraries To Offer At-Home Test Kits

(CBS Detroit) -- Michigan health officials are working with libraries across the state to offer free at-home COVID test kits.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) nearly 5,500 test kits were shipped this week in Calhoun, Clare, Newaygo, Oceana and Saginaw counties as well as the city of Detroit. The selected libraries each received 300 at-home test kits.

Additional tests will be shipped to those sites as needed. More libraries will be added to the distribution in the upcoming weeks.

"We are continuing to find innovative ways to provide Michiganders with opportunities to protect themselves from COVID-19," said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. "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."

Test kits are limited at each location on a first-come, first-served basis. The kits include one test and up to five per household can be taken.

"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."

To obtain a kit, visit the following libraries during business hours:

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