• WBST 92.1 FMMuncie
  • WBSB 89.5 FMAnderson
  • WBSW 90.9 FMMarion
  • WBSH 91.1 FMHagerstown / New Castle
Indiana Public Radio, a listener-supported service of Ball State University
Listen Live Online. Tap to open audio stream.

Indiana Closing OptumServe COVID-19 Testing Sites After June, Citing Low Demand

By Brandon Smith, IPB News | Published on in Government, Health, Local News
OptumServe sites in Indiana provided more than 541,000 free COVID-19 tests since May 2020. (Justin Hicks/IPB News)

Indiana is closing its OptumServe COVID-19 testing sites at the end of June. The sites, set up early in the pandemic, have provided more than 541,000 free tests since May of last year.

According to the state’s website, there are 31 remaining OptumServe sites across Indiana, which will close June 30. The Indiana Department of Health said it’s ending its contract with the private company because of a “robust community-led testing network” that’s now in place.

READ MORE: How Is Indiana Distributing COVID-19 Vaccines? Here’s What You Need To Know

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text “Indiana” to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on COVID-19 and other statewide issues.

There will still be more than 250 COVID-19 testing sites statewide, with locations in almost every county. In a statement, State Health Commissioner Dr. Kris Box noted that demand for testing has significantly decreased.

The current average number of COVID-19 tests per day in Indiana is about 13,000. That’s down more than half since just one month ago.

IPR Area Changes

According to a state map of COVID-19 testing locations, the OptumServe site in Marion is the only testing site in Grant County.

Other smaller towns will see their only local testing option close – Elwood, Peru, and Cambridge City.

Residents will have to travel to larger cities in the counties to receive a test.  Muncie, Wabash, and Connersville will also see an OptumServe location close, but will still have other testing locations within their borders.

Contact reporter Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.