MD Providers Take Part in Fed Initiative on Rapid COVID-19 Testing and Treatment Options

Maryland pharmacies and health partners are participating in the federal Test to Treat (T2T) initiative to expand access to potentially life-saving COVID-19 treatments for all residents.

Through T2T, people are able to get a rapid COVID-19 test and – if they test positive and treatments are appropriate for them – immediately receive a prescription and have their prescription filled all at one location. There are more than 50 Test to Treat sites in Maryland listed on the new T2T locator published this week by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), including dozens of CVS MinuteClinics statewide. The locator will be updated regularly as more organizations join the initiative.

“This effort complements the Maryland Department of Health’s (MDH) progress on expanding access to potentially life-saving treatments and medications for Marylanders who are at risk of severe illness from COVID-19,” said MDH Secretary Dennis R. Schrader. “This HHS initiative to further expand testing, clinical evaluation, and treatment at one-stop locations throughout the state fits perfectly with our progress toward learning to live safely with COVID-19 in our communities.”

MDH is dedicated to increasing access to rapid testing, evaluation, and treatment. MDH is working with UMMS and Johns Hopkins Medicine on plans to offer clinical evaluation services and oral antiviral treatments for those who are eligible, along with existing testing services, at the State Center Vaccination and Treatment Site operated by the BCCFH COVID Task Force.

Marylanders can continue to be tested by their own health care providers, who can appropriately prescribe oral antiviral pills and have their prescriptions filled at locations where antiviral medications are being dispensed. Additionally, MDH, UMMS, and Johns Hopkins operate a telehealth program that helps improve access to clinical evaluation and oral and intravenous COVID-19 therapeutics. To learn more about the telehealth program and find links to providers and self-referral forms, visit the BCCFH COVID Task Force COVID Treatment Program site.

For more information about COVID-19 in Maryland visit covidLINK.maryland.gov. For the most recent Maryland COVID-19 data, visit coronavirus.maryland.gov. Information about COVID-19 treatment is also available by calling 855-MDGOVAX (855-634-6829). To find a location near you that dispenses antiviral COVID-19 medications, please visit the HHS Therapeutics Locator.