A new approach to public health is being tried out in Delaware County that will let residents be tested for various ailments for free at any time, at automated healthcare kiosks, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

Three of the Test and Go healthcare kiosks will be installed this summer at the county Government Center in Media, at the Yeadon Shopping Center, and at the Keystone First Wellness and Opportunity Center in Chester.

The machines will provide test results for RSV, flu A/B, COVID-19, STDs and HIV.

They will also be stocked with naloxone, drug supply test strips, first aid kits, condoms and feminine hygiene products.

“We’re going to be able to vary the content based on need and demand — and all this is going to be freely available to Delaware County residents,” said Lora Werner, deputy director of the Delaware County Health Department.

Delaware County Council approved a one-year contract Tuesday with kiosk provider Longview International Technology (LTS).

The test can be done on site and the sample deposited with the kiosk, or the patient can take the test home and mail the sample in.

Their results are emailed or texted to them.

Read more about these unique healthcare kiosks will work at WHYY.