Ordering for free at-home COVID-19 tests is now open. When you click on the order button below, you will be asked for your zip code. Ordering today will be available to zip codes with the highest vulnerability to COVID-19. Starting this Wednesday (January 19), ordering for free at-home COVID-19 tests through this program will be open to everyone.
The COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of slowing down, especially given the rise of the Omicron variant. CHWs (including promotores de salud and CHRs) have been on the frontline of this battle since the very beginning, leveraging their collective resources and knowledge for better health outcomes for underserved populations. It is more important than ever for CHWs to have the necessary tools to safeguard their communities against the disease. As a result, NACHW will be supporting the Biden-Harris Administration’s rapid test distribution by leveraging CHWs, both due to their skillset and ongoing contributions to public health during COVID-19. The Biden-Harris Administration has committed to equitably distributing over 500 million tests, with the end goal of the initiative being the proliferation of testing and vaccine resources to our hardest-hit and highest-risk communities. Bring your community peace of mind by participating today!
Why you should act now: As tests become available nationally during the rollout, we want to ensure that our stakeholders have access to the testing resources they need. By signing up through the NACHW webpage on January 17, 2022, you help to advocate for yourself and your community to receive these kits.
Biden administration to make 500 million at-home Covid tests available for free
Remarks by President Biden on the Fight Against COVID-19
Here’s how you/your organization can get involved and take part in this exciting program!
1. Orientation: Attend a NACHW orientation session with information about getting involved with the initiative. Those interested can also learn about the program through this informative video and by looking through the Frequently Asked Questions below.
- Register for one of our information sessions at 2:00pm ET January 15-18, 2022
- Download our presentation on this opportunity
- Download this 1-pager on how to help someone else order test kits
2. Register: Sign up with NACHW to help provide rapid tests to households across the country.
3. Order tests: Beginning on January 17th, you will be able to:
- Access the test kit ordering form hosted by the White House from the NACHW site to begin placing orders
- One package of four COVID-19 rapid test kits can be ordered per household
- Assist community members in placing an order for their household
- Include with your order an optional email address if you would like to track your package
Orders on the 17th will be screened based on a social vulnerability and COVID-19 risk factor ZIP Code list required by the White House.
Orders placed after the 19th can be placed directly on the White House site when it goes live.
4. Share this opportunity with others by clicking the “Share” button on this webpage.
5. Help NACHW advocate for increased access to KN95 masks and at-home testing. Take our assessment to improve our knowledge and advocacy at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/N2YYBZ5
FAQS
General Information
Why is NACHW doing this?
As an association, NACHW is a strong advocate for the CHW workforce, allies, and partners. Throughout the pandemic, CHWs have shared their experiences on the frontlines with us, and we aim to do everything we can to ensure that CHWs are properly equipped to provide care for themselves and their communities. NACHW wants to make sure that our most vulnerable communities receive these test kits as soon as they are available.
Who is eligible to receive a package?
Anyone with a U.S. household address can order a test.
What will my information be used for? What won’t it be used for?
Your information will only be used to send you 4 free, at-home rapid antigen COVID-19 tests. You won’t be prompted to sign up for anything or receive promotional emails from USPS afterwards. (For more information, see the USPS Privacy Policy: https://about.usps.com/who/legal/privacy-policy/)
Will the government use this information for my social benefits or immigration status?
No
Is my information secure or publicly accessible?
Your information is secured according to industry standards and will not be publicly accessible. (For more information, see the USPS Full Privacy Policy: https://about.usps.com/who/legal/privacy-policy/full-privacy-policy.htm)
What should I expect after signing up? (entering email vs. not entering)
All we need is your first and last name and a valid residential address to send the tests to. No sign up is necessary. We don’t even need your email address if you do not have one or do not want to provide one (though it’s recommended so you can receive emails about your order).
If you do provide an email address, you will receive a confirmation email soon after you place your order. Once your order ships, you’ll receive a tracking number and delivery updates .
If you do not provide an email address, you will still be given an order number once you place your order. However, you will not receive a follow-up confirmation or tracking number from USPS.
Can I enter my information more than once?
Once someone has successfully placed an order for a valid residential address, they won’t be able to submit duplicate orders for that same address to increase the opportunity for others to access these free tests.
When should I expect to receive my tests? What happens if they don’t arrive?
Orders will start shipping (as supplies come in) in late January.
If you provide your email address:
- You’ll receive delivery updates to track your order.
- You can submit a help request form online to let USPS know if you think your order is missing.
Shipping
How can I track my package?
When ordering on the Federal website, you are given the option to enter an email address. If you choose to enter your email, you will receive confirmation and tracking information to your email after you submit your order. If you are helping someone else place an order and they do not have an email address, you may enter your personal or work email to track on their behalf.
Can I use my work address?
No. Packages will only be delivered to household/residential addresses.
Can I order more than one test at a time?
No. Only one package can be sent to each household.
Who is shipping this package to me?
The package will be shipped by the United States Postal Service (USPS) using your full name, household address, and ZIP code. NACHW is NOT shipping these packages and does not have access to the inventory.
How to use an at-home self-test for COVID-19 and how to help others.
What is a rapid antigen COVID-19 test?
Antigen tests are commonly used in the diagnosis of respiratory pathogens, including influenza viruses and respiratory syncytial virus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for antigen tests that can identify SARS-CoV-2. See FDA’s list of In Vitro Diagnostics EUAs.
When should I take a rapid test?
Self-tests may be used if you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been exposed or potentially exposed to an individual with COVID-19.
Even if you don’t have symptoms and have not been exposed to an individual with COVID-19, using a self-test before gathering indoors with others can give you information about the risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. This is especially important before gathering with unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immunocompromised, or individuals at risk of severe disease.
What happens if I test positive?
You should stay home or isolate for 10 days and wear a mask if others could have contact with you. Also, tell a healthcare provider about your positive test result and stay in contact with them. If your illness becomes severe, seek medical attention. If you have an emergency warning sign (including trouble breathing), seek emergency medical care immediately. To avoid spreading the virus to others, follow CDC recommendations.
What happens if I test negative?
A negative test result means the virus that causes COVID-19 was not found in your specimen, and you may have a lower risk of transmitting the disease to others. If you took the test while you had symptoms and followed all instructions carefully, a negative result means your current illness is probably not COVID-19, though it does not rule out a COVID-19 infection. Read more on the CDC’s website.
How to use a rapid COVID-19 self-test?
Read the complete manufacturer’s instructions for use before using the test. Talk to a healthcare provider if you have questions about the test or your results. Refer to CDC’s videos on How to Use a Self-Test and How to Interpret Self-Test Results.
How To Use a Self-Test – YouTube
How to Collect An Anterior Nasal Swab Specimen for COVID-19 Testing
How to Collect a Nasal Mid-Turbinate Swab Specimen for COVID-19 Testing
How can I help others?
- Tell them how they can access free rapid at home tests using their insurance
- Point them to information about Covid-19 vaccines
- Use the CDC symptom checker
Access barriers: All text found above in our, “How to use an at-home self-test for COVID-19 and how to help others,” is available in multiple languages on the CDC’s website. Currently, this information is available in English, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Vietnamese, and Korean. The above videos and graphics are available in English and Spanish.
