San Juan Basin Public Health (SJBPH) is pleased to announce that Pagosa Springs Medical Center, with the support of the State of Colorado, is expanding its monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19. Availability is Monday through Friday, beginning Monday, December 27th, between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm (last appointment at 4:00pm). This expansion will allow for 15 appointments per day.
Pagosa Springs Medical Center is located at 95 S. Pagosa Blvd, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Patients with an appointment should check in at the Fasttrack Aspen Room Door, at the Northeast corner of the building. Details for the treatments at PSMC are as follows:
- Monday through Friday, ongoing, 10:00am to 5:00pm (last appointment at 4:00pm).
- Eligible individuals can sign up for appointments at PSMC on a platform provided by CDPHE (see below for eligibility information).
- Questions about monoclonal antibody treatments at PSMC can be directed to 970-507-3756.
In addition, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) mobile unit providing monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 has been extended in Durango through December 31st. Monoclonal antibody treatments have been shown to be effective at preventing hospitalizations for people who test positive for COVID-19 and are considered high risk for severe illness.
CDPHE’s mobile unit is located at the La Plata County Fairgrounds (2500 Main Ave, Durango), in the parking lot next to the COVID-19 community testing site, through December 31st. The hours of operation are as follows:
- Monday, December 27 through Friday, December 31 – 8:00am to 6:00pm (last appointment at 4:00pm)
- Eligible individuals can sign up for appointments in Durango on a platform provided by CDPHE.
- Questions about the mobile unit should be directed to CDPHE by calling 1-877-268-2926.
Treatment eligibility at the CDPHE mobile unit and at PSMC is for people 12 years of age and older who have tested positive for COVID-19, with symptom onset within the last 10 days, who aren’t hospitalized or on oxygen due to COVID-19, and are at risk of getting very sick without treatment. The treatment is free, no referral is required, and is available to people regardless of vaccination status.
As part of the appointment making process, patients will complete a screening form to determine eligibility for the therapy. At the time of the appointment, a health care provider from the mobile unit will review the screening form and must provide authorization for a patient to receive this therapy. According to CDPHE, the on-site review of the screening questions and authorization to receive treatment will occur in just minutes, in most cases.
“Now is a great time to consider your holiday plans and take precautions to keep your loved ones safe,” Jollon continued. “A layered approach remains the best way to protect our community this holiday season, including COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, testing, face masks, regular handwashing, and limiting the number of social contacts. Remember that certain activities, such as singing or larger unmasked gatherings indoors, will increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.”
COVID-19 vaccination and testing resources are available through the holiday break. The community is advised to check the SJBPH website, as some hours are modified in observance of the holidays. The full schedule of vaccine clinics and providers is available online with convenient dates and times across both counties. Testing resources can also be located on SJBPH’s website.
More information about monoclonal antibody treatments, eligibility, and CDPHE’s mobile units is available on the CDPHE website. Questions about the mobile unit or monoclonal antibody treatments should be directed to CDPHE by calling 1-877-COVAXCO (1-877-268-2926). Monoclonal antibody treatments may also be available through existing health care providers in the region. The public is directed to first consult with their physician for a referral if seeking monoclonal antibody treatment from a local hospital.
Chandler Griffin is Communications Director for San Juan Basin Public Health District. SJBPH is a local public health agency, governed by a seven-member local Board of Health, serving all residents of La Plata and Archuleta counties.