Dear Students, Faculty, & Staff,
We are updating our on-campus COVID testing policies for the remainder of the semester.
Through our partnership with Shodair Children’s Hospital, we have been very fortunate to have been able to provide timely, convenient, on-campus PCR testing for students, faculty, and staff throughout this pandemic. This has been a valuable resource to help us reduce COVID outbreaks on our campus.
Now, due to the availability of numerous testing options throughout the Helena community, we are seeing an opportunity to change how we provide testing on campus.
On-Campus Testing
Moving forward, the Wellness Center will no longer be providing PCR saliva testing. However, for a limited time while supplies last, self-administered rapid antigen tests will be available through the Wellness Center. To acquire a test, visit the Wellness Center between the hours of 9 am-12 pm or 1 pm-4 pm, Monday – Friday. The tests are simple to self-administer and results are available within 15 minutes.
Our student-athletes will continue to undergo PCR testing through the athletic training staff as is required by their respective athletic conferences. If you are required to obtain a date-stamped PCR test as part of an academic class or college-sponsored activity, please work with the course professor or advisor to schedule a test with the athletic training staff.
As a reminder, if you have tested positive or are a close contact, please self-report on the COVID Reporting Form found on the Marching Forward website so that we can arrange appropriate support for you both in your housing if you live on campus and in the classroom.
Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
We strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to take advantage of the offer provided by the federal government to have four (4) free rapid antigen tests mailed to your home or school address to have on hand if needed. The tests take approximately two weeks to arrive once you fill out the simple form at www.covidtests.gov.
Other Testing Resources
Insurance Reimbursement for At-Home Tests
If you have a Carroll-sponsored health insurance plan, your insurance will pay you back for eight (8) at-home rapid antigen tests each month for each person on your plan. These test kits should be available at CVS and Walgreens. Additional information for Carroll College employees on the BCBS plan can be found here. Many other insurance companies have similar coverage for COVID-19 testing, so please check with your provider if you are interested in obtaining additional tests. Learn more.
Community Testing Locations
There is a Community COVID-19 Testing Clinic available at the fairgrounds, 98 W Custer Ave, Monday – Friday, 10 am – 3 pm for symptomatic and close contact individuals. For more information, visit their website.
For additional testing sites in Helena, please visit the Lewis and Clark County vaccine and testing locations page. Click on the “Testing/Contact Tracing” tab at the top of the page.
As always, thank you for all that you do to keep our campus community safe and healthy this semester,
The Marching Forward Team