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Whiteford celebrates testing and treatment sites resulting from COVID funding she helped approve
RELEASE|May 19, 2022

State Rep. Mary Whiteford, chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Health and Human Services, today celebrated the announcement of Detroit’s Test to Treat program.

The city of Detroit announced it will partner with the state to expand services to treat residents with COVID-19. Those who test positive at a city testing site will be evaluated and receive antiviral medication free of charge.

Whiteford made fast and efficient COVID testing and treatment a priority in a COVID-19 budget supplemental plan she helped approve in February. She advocated for the $75 million for testing sites and $25 million for treatments that was eventually signed into law.

“Immediate access to life-saving medication is the key to preventing hospitalization and life-threatening illness,” said Whiteford, a registered nurse. “Oral medications are extremely effective in the prevention of severe COVID symptoms that can lead to serious sickness – but they are only effective within five days of onset, so immediate treatment is imperative.”

Whiteford is familiar with the terrifying and serious effects of COVID-19 after her husband came down with a severe case that challenged his breathing in the early days of the pandemic.

“I wish these treatments had been available at that time,” Whiteford said. “I’m grateful he came out of the horrific experience okay – but that wasn’t the case for many families. Early treatment is the key to saving lives and limiting the effects of the virus.”

The plan signed into law in February funds a total of eight testing sites statewide.

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