Photo courtesy Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 9, 2021

Seva Foundation Grant Assists in COVID-19 Dental Health Care Needs

Oklahoma City Indian Clinic receives funding to purchase respirators to resume dental practices

OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, received grant funding from Seva Foundation  to support the dental department with the purchase of halo respirators. 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the way medical practices are performed, including OKCIC’s dental department. Since the start of the pandemic, dental services have been limited to emergencies only, restricting nearly all aerosol generating procedures. Due to the heightened risk of dental procedures spreading the COVID-19 virus, this was essential to minimizing risks to patients and dental personnel.

“The grant funding from Seva Foundation helps to offer extra protection to staff and reduces the impact of PPE shortages,” Monica McKee said, OKCIC’s Dental, Optometry, and Patient Services Director.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using additional infection prevention and control practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, along with standard practices recommended as a part of routine dental health care delivery to all patients. Recommendations have been made to prioritize dental care for the most vulnerable patients first. These are the ones at highest risk if their care is delayed.

The purchase of halo respirators allows OKCIC’s dental department to resume near normal services. These long-lasting filtered respirators reduce waste and offer a comfortable wear for extended periods. 

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About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and  wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.

About Seva Foundation

Seva is a global nonprofit eye care organization that transforms lives by restoring sight and preventing blindness. Our programs have been instrumental in making eye care available to those who can’t afford it. They are driven by four pillars – establishing self-sustaining vision centers, eye care for children, bringing the best in technology, and training and job creation. Visit www.seva.org to learn more.