Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital administers over 500 COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatments

​Since August 2021, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital (EWCH) has administered over 500 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy treatments to individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 or to those who have experienced close contact exposure as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
With assistance from Campbell University’s Mobile Health and Education Clinic, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and EWCH employees, the hospital was able to increase capacity of monoclonal antibody therapy treatments for COVID-19. This treatment is used to minimize the severity of symptoms for those who have had a close contact exposure or who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, in turn limiting the need for inpatient hospital care. 
 
“This was a team effort, and I cannot thank our own staff enough for volunteering for extended hours and weekends to tirelessly serve these individuals,” said EWCH Director of Operations and Associate Chief Nursing Officer Teresa Bowleg. “Because we were able to offer more monoclonal antibody treatments to the patients of western North Carolina, EWCH was able to manage hospital capacity concerns in order to better serve our inpatients. We’re thankful to Campbell University and FEMA for their support in this initiative.”
 
Due to a recent decrease in numbers of those hospitalized with COVID-19, EWCH’s outpatient mAb clinic has closed. Those in need of mAb treatment should consult with their primary care provider for other local options. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccine is the best defense against COVID-19. The vaccine is effective at preventing severe illness from COVID-19 and limiting the spread of the virus that causes it. To find a vaccination site near you, visit vaccines.gov.