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The long-awaited end to the COVID-19 State of Emergency Declaration is very close. That does not mean that COVID-19 has just disappeared. The need for testing and vaccination still exists.

NCDHHS free rapid antigen test distribution will end on June 30. The last day to order tests is Monday, June 26.

The state has a large number of tests to give away before that cutoff date. They have designated organizations across the state to distribute those tests in the community. The Northampton County NAACP successfully registered in March to be a Community Access Point (CAP), one of the four agencies in the county.

Branch Medical Director Wanda Flythe started taking orders, shortly after approval on March 17, and the number quickly grew into the thousands. By April 24, 12,000 free COVID tests have been distributed to Northampton County churches, senior centers, civic groups, and individuals. The distribution site was Roanoke Chapel Baptist Church Family Life Center in Garysburg.

Branch President Rev. Dawn Daly-Mack, RN, felt it was very important that the branch took on this initiative. As a nurse, and the former Health Director of the branch, outreach to the community to address health disparities is very important to her.

She admits that she was surprised at the volume of orders that were received. They are now accepting requests for a second distribution.

The cutoff date to request tests is May 7. Ordering is open to all Northampton County churches and community groups. Contact Wanda Flythe at (252) 536-8935.