TULSA, Okla. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) has awarded a community health investment grant of $250,000 to Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences Addiction Medicine Specialty Clinic to address the public health concerns of addiction and mental health in Oklahoma by improving access to behavioral health care.
The OSU Addiction Medicine Specialty Clinic is a Tulsa-based outpatient clinic offering comprehensive treatment including individualized, evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, medication-assisted treatment and mental health services. The clinic is a member of the Hazelden Betty Ford Patient Care Network. The support from BCBSOK will be used to research the effectiveness of telemedicine services for treating addiction.
“We admire Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma’s leadership in expanding access to addiction treatment services. This major investment will allow us to reach more Oklahomans who are struggling with addiction and who would benefit immensely from the expertise at OSU Medicine. We appreciate our continued partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma,” said Dr. Kayse Shrum, president of OSU Center for Health Sciences and dean of the OSU College of Osteopathic Medicine.”
Supporting in and partnering with like-minded organizations like OSU Center for Health Sciences on community health initiatives builds on BCBSOK's legacy of supporting local communities and helping families and individuals thrive. Through these efforts, BCBSOK aims to help improve the lives of people in Oklahoma’s communities by removing barriers and addressing social factors that affect their health and well-being.
“We are investing in solutions to reduce cost of care and improve health outcomes in Oklahoma,” said Joseph R. Cunningham, M.D., president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma. “We have been providing health insurance in Oklahoma for nearly 80 years and its part of our mission to help our members as well as our communities. It aligns with our purpose: To Do Everything In Our Power To Stand With Our Members In Sickness And In Health®”
The Addiction Medicine Specialty Clinic is part of the National Center for Wellness & Recovery (NCWR) at OSU Medicine. The NCWR provides comprehensive care for those suffering from addiction while advancing treatment through education, research and policy. For more information about the OSU Addiction Medicine Specialty Clinic, please call 918-561-1890.
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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma
For more than 79 years, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma has been committed to meeting the health care financing needs of Oklahomans. As the state's oldest and largest private health insurer, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma provides health care benefit plans for more than 830,000 Oklahomans. For more information, visit bcbsok.com.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
About Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences and OSU Medicine
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences is a nationally recognized academic health center focused on teaching, research and patient care. OSU Center for Health Sciences offers graduate and professional degrees at its College of Osteopathic Medicine, the School of Allied Health, the School of Health Care Administration, the School of Biomedical Sciences, and the School of Forensic Sciences. OSU Medicine also operates a network of clinics in the Tulsa area offering a multitude of specialty services including addiction medicine, behavioral health, cardiology, family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry and women’s health. Learn more at health.okstate.edu.