COVID-19 testing can be a burden to some of Oklahoma’s most vulnerable populations due to access barriers. In an effort to alleviate that, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma (BCBSOK) is donating 1,800 COVID-19 testing kits to six local organizations.
“Providing access to quality health care for our fellow Oklahomans continues to be among our top priorities,” said BCBSOK Chief Medical Officer Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E. “We know that COVID-19 continues to be a concern for our communities even as the number of cases has receded nationwide. BCBSOK is committed to partnering with organizations on the frontlines to bring needed resources to at-risk populations at the local level.”
The six organizations receiving test kits include: The Community Action Project Tulsa, Housing Solutions and Tulsa Day Center in Tulsa, as well as Homeless Alliance, Mental Health Association Oklahoma and Neighborhood Services Organization in Oklahoma City.
The 1,800 COVID-19 testing kits are valued at nearly $20,000 total. According to the Tulsa Day Center, the donation will help offset the cost of testing.
“The Tulsa Day Center is grateful for the donation of COVID-19 tests provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield,” said Tulsa Day Center Medical Director Leslie Petty, DNP, APRN-NP-C. “Their generous donation will continue to allow the clinic to offer test kits for our shelter and unsheltered clients.”