Boulder County Public Health, in coordination with several other agencies, has launched an initiative to expand free COVID-19 tests for underserved and high-risk populations. 

The goal of the initiative is that underrepresented members of the county such as Latinx community members, the homeless, people 65 or older and residents who live in the “peak-to-peak” areas, can get tested. 

“Access to testing is vital to reducing the spread of COVID-19 disease in our community.  We have worked successfully with local urgent care centers, community clinics, Boulder Community Health and other local hospitals to provide about 500 tests per day, which meets the general testing needs of the community,” said Jeff Zayach, Boulder County Public Health executive director. “This new partnership will allow us to ramp up testing for our residents who  have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”

Officials said the lack of financial resources and transportation is the reason why these community members are unable to get tested for COVID-19. Boulder County is paying for the tests and BCPH will be coordinating the testing events at locations across the county. 

“Through this partnership, we will take free testing directly to the people who need it most,” said Dr. Robert Vissers, the president and CEO of Boulder Community Health. 

Staff members from BCH will gather the lab specimens. Biodesix, through an agreement with the Colorado Department of Public Health, will then process the tests, officials said. 

Aside from administering free COVID-19 tests, the agencies will provide information about disease investigations, contact tracing, isolation and quarantine support. Other materials about how to stay safe and healthy will also be handed out, officials said.