OCH Regional Medical Center has been named a COVID-19 Center of Excellence by the Mississippi State Department of Health for its commitment to COVID prevention and treatment. OCH, along with 41 healthcare facilities throughout the state, received this designation that was awarded based on the following criteria:

A COVID patient receives Monoclonal Antibody Therapy at OCH.

  1. Vaccination: Administration of COVID-19 vaccination to eligible members of their communities
  2. Treatment: Serving as a referral location for local physicians/providers for specialized treatment of COVID-19 infected individuals (such as Monoclonal Antibody Therapy or MAT therapy)
  3. Access: Addressing disparities in vaccination access in their communities

Jackson

“Being named a ‘COVID-19 Center of Excellence’ represents our commitment to providing the highest level of quality care to our community,” said OCH Administrator/CEO Jim Jackson. “Our team has continued to utilize all methods available to combat COVID including education on prevention, testing, treatment, infusions and vaccinations. We appreciate the recognition and support from our state department of health and all they have done throughout the past year as we all work together to end this pandemic.”

In addition to meeting the “Center of Excellence” criteria, OCH’s efforts also include but are not limited to the following:

 

  • Provided a drive-thru testing site
  • Partnered with Mississippi State University to conduct drive-thru testing for students, faculty and staff
  • Distributed reusable masks to those in rural areas and provided education on prevention methods
  • Hosted a vaccine clinic for Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District and MSU’s Longest Student Health Center staff
  • Administered extra doses from MSDH before the vaccine expired

Brown administers a COVID vaccination to an employee of the MSU Longest Student Health Center.

OCH Interim Chief Nursing Officer Savannah Brown, RN, BSN, said the “vaccination, treatment and access” criteria OCH met to receive the designation was not a mandate by the state department of health but rather a culmination of the choices the hospital has made since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Our staff has worked tirelessly over the past 12 months, and receiving this ‘Center of Excellence’ honor reminds us that although it’s been challenging, we can take pride in knowing that we’ve taken every step possible to ensure the communities we serve have access to the care they need.”

 

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