Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) and the Muscogee Nation are working together to provide Oklahomans, both Native and non-Native, the opportunity to receive monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19.
BCBSOK presented a $25,000 grant to the Muscogee Nation for their innovative efforts to treat Oklahomans with COVID-19. This grant is part of the BCBSOK COVID-19 Relief Fund and will support COVID-19 monoclonal antibody infusions for individuals 12 years and older who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus and are at high risk of serious illness. The infusion service is provided at the Tribe’s newest facility, Council Oak Comprehensive Healthcare in Tulsa.
“BCBSOK has a strong history of supporting our tribal communities. Sharing our resources and investing in our tribal partners means a healthier future for our state,” said Joseph Cunningham, M.D., president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “This grant will provide more Oklahomans the ability to receive monoclonal antibody treatment when they need it most.”
The Muscogee Nation has been a leader in meeting the healthcare needs of Oklahomans as well as addressing the economic impacts of COVID-19 during the pandemic.
“From the onset of the pandemic, the Muscogee Nation has been focused on protecting our people and all Oklahomans,” said David Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee Nation. "It is our hope this infusion center will help alleviate the strain on our hospitals by helping to prevent additional severe cases and ultimately save lives."
“This generous grant will help further the Muscogee Nation’s vision of providing effective treatment to all Oklahomans, regardless if they have health insurance or not,” said Shawn Terry, Secretary of Health for the Muscogee Nation. “This infusion can cut the incidence of severe disease and death by about 70%. Blue Cross and Blue Shield is helping us expand access to this invaluable tool and fulfill our mission of protecting our communities.”
The monoclonal antibody treatment is done through an intravenous infusion and should be administered within 10 days of developing COVID-19 symptoms.