Montana VA Health Care Systems Offering COVID-19 testing for asymptomatic veterans in Havre today

HELENA - Montana veterans enrolled in the Montana VA Health Care System - MTVAHCS - are eligible for free COVID-19 testing at thirteen different locations across the state, including in Havre today, MTVAHCS announced Monday afternoon.

The testing will be at the Merril Lundman Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic at 130 13th Street, Suite 1, just east of Northern Montana Hospital, from 1-3:30 p.m. today.

MTVAHCS is partnering with Gov. Steve Bullock and the Department of Public Health and Human Services to participate in the Montana State COVID Surveillance Project.  The MTVAHCS has been selected to receive test kits to test asymptomatic veterans for COVID-19. The MTVAHCS will have drive-through testing options at thirteen different cities and towns across Montana including today's tests in Havre.

"Montana veterans who are asymptomatic, not currently experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, are invited to come to our MTVAHCS facilities for drive-up COVID-19 testing," said MTVAHCS Executive Director Judy Hayman. "This asymptomatic testing will help us understand how COVID-19 presents in Montana because often, only people with symptoms are tested. As always, we are grateful for the leadership veterans have shown in taking proactive steps to be healthy."

Veterans will stay in their vehicle to be tested and will be notified within 30 days by DPHHS if they test positive. The MTVAHCS will contact veterans if they test negative. All visitors to a VA facility are required to wear a face covering and will be provided one if needed.

The MTVAHCS serves over 47,000 enrolled veterans across Montana-an area roughly 147,000 square miles in size. Veterans are cared for by a staff of nearly 1,200 at 17 sites of care across the state.  One third of Montana VA employees are veterans.

The other locations for testing and the dates of testing are:

Anaconda Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 118 East 7th Street, Suite 2A, Anaconda, MT 59711-2953    

• July 2, 2020, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Bozeman Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 300 North Willson Avenue, Suite 703G, Bozeman, MT 59715-3551 (Drive up in parking lot)

• July 1, 2020: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Billings Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 1775 Spring Creek Lane, Billings, MT 59102-6754

• July 1, 2020, 07:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Glasgow Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 630 2nd Avenue South, Suite A, Glasgow, MT 59230-2304     

• July 1, 2020: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Glendive Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 2000 Montana Avenue, Glendive, MT 59330-3700

• July 14, 2020: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Great Falls Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 1417 9th Street, South, Suite 200,  Great Falls, MT 59405-4509

1. June 30, 2020: 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

2. July 1, 2020: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

3. July 2, 2020: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Helena Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 3687 Veterans Drive,  Fort Harrison, MT 59636

1. June 30, 2020: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

2. July 7, 2020:  10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Kalispell Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 31 Three Mile Drive, Kalispell, MT 59901-1400

1. July 13, 2020: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

2. July 14, 2020: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Lewistown Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 629 Northeast Main Street, Suite 1, Lewistown, MT 59457-2082

• June 30, 2020: 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Miles City COVID-19 Testing Options for Montana Veterans

• Location: 210 South Winchester Avenue (walk-up testing at table near the main entrance), Miles City, MT 59301-4798     

• June 29, 2020: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

• July 1, 2020:  1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Missoula Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options

• Location: 2687 Palmer Street, Suite C, Missoula, MT 59808-1710

• July 1, 2020: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Plentywood Drive-Through COVID-19 Testing Options

• Location: 440 West Laurel Avenue, Plentywood, MT 59254-1526

• July 2, 2020: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.