11.17.20
The Prairie Band community and larger surrounding communities have experienced a recent surge in COVID-19 cases, with the Prairie Band Health Center averaging 9.5 positive cases per week over the last two weeks.
The Prairie Band Health Center, under the advisement of Medical Director Dr. Scott Blaker, has elected to reduce preventive care appointments over the next month to lower the potential for patient or staff exposure to the coronavirus, and allow for staff to focus their time and resources on COVID-19 testing and contact tracing efforts.
Additionally, the Dental Clinic is limited to emergency care only and Behavioral Health is optimizing the use of telehealth services while limiting in-person group therapy to further minimize the possibility of transmission.
As of today, 594 tests have been administered at the Health Center, with an additional 153 tests administered at the mobile KDHE testing event in July, resulting in 85 positive cases of COVID-19 in the community since testing began in May 2020.
The Prairie Band Health Center, in conjunction with the Indian Health Service and Prairie Band Tribal Council, is currently working on a plan for the distribution of a coronavirus vaccine and anticipates having detailed information available in mid-December 2020.
The Prairie Band Health Center remains committed to providing the greatest care to the Prairie Band community.