SE Valley Times

The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) is teaming up with Arizona State University to expand COVID-19 diagnostic testing in the state.

The university will provide free saliva diagnostic testing at sites in underserved communities across the state. The ADHS has committed up to $12.7 million to serve up to 100,000 Arizonans.

“This critical partnership will have an immediate impact in the fight against COVID-19 and help us surge testing where it’s needed most,” said Gov. Ducey in a news release. “My thanks to Arizona State University for their continued partnership and for continuing to step up to aid public health in innovative and invaluable ways.”

ASU's Biodesign Institute developed the first saliva-based coronavirus test in the state.

“We are fortunate to have some extremely talented people at the university who have developed an innovative testing model and it is our duty to share that expertise and put it to work to help prevent the spread of COVID-19," ASU President Michael Crow said in a news release.

ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ said testing will help the department track COVID-19 cases and implement strategies to slow the spread.

"This includes providing funding for new testing equipment, and distributing specimen collection kits to health care partners, laboratories and local health departments," she said.

PCR diagnostic testing has increased more than 500% across the state since April. Information about testing locations, appointment times and registration links can be found at azhealth.gov/testing.