The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in partnership with Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Highlands Cashiers Health Foundation, The Town of Highlands, and Village Green, is expanding no-cost COVID-19 virus testing capacity as part of a recently announced partnership between the state of North Carolina and OptumServe.
“Testing is a core element of North Carolina’s response to this pandemic, and that means making sure cost and access challenges never act as a barrier to a needed test. As we continue expanding free community testing options, we’re helping North Carolinians to stay informed about their health and help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said NCDHHS Secretary Mandy Cohen, M.D.
Testing will be available this Wednesday in Highlands at the Highlands Community Building, and Tuesday in Cashiers at the Village Green from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
While walk-ups are accepted, we encourage residents to register and schedule an appointment HERE. The tests being offered are rapid COVID-19 antigen tests. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test will be performed to confirm any positive test results.
Anyone who meets the virus testing criteria can be tested, including people who are underinsured, uninsured, undocumented or homeless. Symptoms of COVID can be found HERE.
OptumServe has expertise in rapidly deploying and setting up health care services. Led by former Army Surgeon General and retired Lieutenant General Patty Horoho, RN, OptumServe has performed more than 1 million tests at community-based testing sites across the country.
You may register and make an appointment for testing HERE or by calling 877.562.4850. Please note that phone registration should only be used for people without internet access or are registering a minor for a test.
For more information, please check the county public health website HERE and as always, please remember to keep practicing social distancing and washing your hands regularly.