Protect Your Health
Supporting Testing Access through Community Collaboration
VDH-STACC is a new program launched by VDH in November 2021. Through this program, VDH distributes COVID-19 at-home test kits to participating libraries. Community members can pick up FREE test kits from participating libraries (library cards aren’t required) and take the kits home to self-test for COVID-19.
Free at-home COVID-19 testing kits available at participating Virginia Libraries:
Currently, 60 library systems are participating in the free eMed program.
Find a participating library near you!
The kits available through this program are eMed-proctored BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Tests. Access eMed’s website for more information about this at-home test.
Helpful tips:
If you are symptomatic, or if you have been told to quarantine because you are a close contact to someone who has COVID-19, send someone else to get the test kit for you
Wear a mask to pick up the test kit
Have a plan to use the test kits within 2 weeks
You will need a valid photo ID, including a driver’s license, passport, passport card, birth certificate, state-issued identification card, military ID card, or official school ID to take the test (though no ID is needed to pick up a test kit).
You will need an internet connection and an internet-enabled device, such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet, with a webcam or front-facing camera, microphone, and speaker.
Information about eMed-proctored BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Tests
This program currently uses eMed-proctored BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Tests , which are authorized for use for individuals 4 years of age or older.
eMed Test Demonstration
eMed Customer Support
eMed Customer Support is available by calling 866-955-1173 or visiting the eMed Frequently Asked Questions webpage.
BinaxNOW expiration dates
While test kits are labeled with expiration dates, please note that the FDA has extended the expiration of these kits. Use the following link to check your kit’s LOT number and verify an updated expiration date: BinaxNOW expiration dates (PDF) (10 pp, 326 KB).
Have a question?
Program Contact Information
Local Library Location
Please use this tool to find your local library's contact information
eMed Test Kit Questions
For question about your eMed test kit please contact
1-866-955-1173
Library Location Questions
Covid-19 Related Questions
VDH’s Call Center 1-877-829-4682
Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Additional Comments or Concerns
If you have any additional comments or concerns about the local library facilities, please direct your call to your county administrators.
VDH-STACC Roles
Library Partnership Roles Chart of VDH, libraries, community members, and eMed in the STACC program.
FAQs
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is partnering with libraries as a trusted community resource to support access to testing resources. The partnership will help give broader access to at-home rapid antigen tests to Virginians at a time where there is an increased demand for testing due to the spread of COVID-19.
No. Businesses are responsible for acquiring tests for their employees. Call your HR department for more information.
No. VDH has the ViSSTA program and has additional testing resources in schools. Call your local school leaders for more information.
VDH will be supplying no-cost, virtually guided rapid antigen tests using eMed-proctored BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test to libraries as supplies are available. Libraries will be a pick-up location for community members as resources allow. Rapid antigen tests provide results in 15 minutes.
Yes - as supplies are available.
Visit the VDH COVID-19 Testing webpage for information on who should get tested and when. VDH recommends having a plan for testing based on criteria and not relying on same day appointments for best utilization of resources.
Individuals can request a free test kit from their local library by following the library’s directions as supplies are available. Proof of residency is not required, and individuals will not be required to present a library card to access test kits.
If you have symptoms, you should not go inside your library’s building. Use your library’s contactless distribution option or have someone pick up the test on your behalf. You should always wear a mask if you go to a library to pick up a test, regardless of whether you have symptoms. If you are ill, VDH recommends that you seek care from your healthcare provider.
Taking the test inside the library is not allowed because of the risk of exposing others to COVID-19 and biohazardous materials. Your library may have Wi-Fi in the parking lot that you could use for a virtual testing session outside of the library. Dispose of used kits in your home garbage.
As supplies are available, VDH recommends taking the number of tests that you need, within your library’s guidelines. If multiple people in your household need a COVID-19 test, we recommend taking a test for each person who needs one. You should have a plan to use the test kits you receive within two weeks to avoid wastage if they expire.
You will need the following:
- an internet connection
- an internet-enabled device (computer, mobile phone, or tablet) with a webcam or front-facing camera, microphone, speaker, and supported browser for the testing session
- a valid photo ID to show the eMed telehealth proctor
If you do not have a strong internet connection at home, ask your library staff if Wi-Fi is available in the parking lot or if they have a Wi-Fi hotspot you could check out. Do not take the test within the library itself.
For information on supported browsers, go to https://www.emed.com/technical-requirements. Valid forms of ID include driver's license, passport, passport card, birth certificate, state-issued identification card, military ID card, and official school ID.
You will need to use your email address to create a NAVICA account prior to your virtual testing session. You can create an account by downloading the NAVICA app or online at https://www.emed.com/app/login by clicking on “I want to start testing” and then selecting "Create Navica Account." If you do not have an email address, a friend or family member can create a Managed Profile for you through the “Account and Settings” portion of the NAVICA app on their smartphone.
Once you log onto the eMed website by phone or computer, a trained and certified virtual agent, called a telehealth proctor, will help answer your questions and guide you in taking the test. There are proctors who speak English and Spanish. It is a self-swab of the nose and then testing that swab in a small card to get the results.
No. The Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA requires that you take the test only with the supervision of a telehealth proctor.
Results for the eMed BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Card Home Test are available approximately 15 minutes after completion of the test. In addition to receiving results, you will also receive follow-up health care instructions and a digital health pass if your COVID-19 test is negative.
Do not contact library staff. If you need assistance with the test kit procedure, please contact Navica’s Technical Services line at 1-800-257-9525.
Do not contact library staff. Please call eMed Customer Support at (844) 943-0061.
If you test positive, you should immediately isolate yourself (stay away from others) and call your healthcare provider or your local health department.
The VDH Antigen Testing Recommendations webpage has helpful guidance on next steps following antigen test results.
Do not contact library staff with questions. If you have questions, please contact your healthcare provider or your local health department, visit the VDH’s website, or call the Virginia COVID Information Center at 1-877-829-4682 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm.
After the test taker completes their test with the online proctor, eMed will report the results to the Virginia Department of Health.
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