Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center Opens in Fort Pierce

Florida Department of Emergency Management opened a Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Treatment Center at the Havert L. Fenn Center, 2000 Virginia Ave., Fort Pierce on Monday, Aug. 23 The location will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is able to serve more than 300 patients per day.

This state-run monoclonal antibody therapy treatment site for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or considered high risk if infected.

Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged and can be made at patientportalfl.com.

The administered antibodies help the immune system recognize and respond effectively to the virus. According to treatment guidelines, they should be administered as soon as possible after diagnosis. By providing access to these treatments at these new sites, Governor DeSantis is alleviating demand on hospital resources and further making sure that Floridians have access to all potential treatments that can help them recover from COVID-19.

Monoclonal antibody treatments can be prescribed by health care providers to individuals 12 years of age and older who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 and are at high risk for severe illness and hospitalization. However, to support Governor DeSantis’ initiative, there is currently a standing order in Florida signed by the State Surgeon General that allows patients to receive this treatment without a prescription or referral if administered by an eligible health care provider. Such referrals are not required at any of the State of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites and treatments are available at no cost to patients.

To find other locations offering monoclonal antibody treatments, visit floridahealthcovid19.gov.

Information On Getting Tested

Those with the associated risk factors and symptoms of COVID-19 may be eligible to be tested. Coronavirus symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Risk factors consist of close contact with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 case, travel to or from a Coronavirus affected area, recent history of international travel, age 65+ with chronic conditions and a weakened immune system. If you believe you have symptoms you should immediately contact your healthcare provider.

St. Lucie Medical Reserve Corps Seeks Volunteers

St. Lucie County is looking to build a reserve of qualified medical professionals to deal with an increase in COVID-19 cases if the need arises. The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie County operates a Medical Reserve Corp that can be activated in emergencies such as the pandemic that is impacting Florida and the rest of the world. Any licensed healthcare professional who is willing to volunteer in the event there is a need for additional doctors, nurses, EMTs and other healthcare experts are encouraged to register at https://www.flhealthresponse.com/mrcvolunteer. Under Florida Statue 110 law, sovereign immunity is provided to volunteers. State Statue 768.28 is the Sovereign Immunity Law and 768.1355 is the Volunteer Protection Act which allows licensed professionals to volunteer, and have their licenses  protected. Every medical professional that registers will be vetted by the Florida Department of Health before being activated.

Vaccination Information

• • Florida Department of Health – COVID-19 Vaccines in Florida
  • COVID Vaccine Overview for Providers
    This document from the Florida Department of Health offers provider information for COVID-19 vaccine enrollment.
  • COVID Vaccine Flow Chart for Providers
    This document from the Florida Department of Health describes the COVID-19 Vaccine enrollment process for medical providers.

Additional Resources

You may find these additional resources helpful:

• • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
    This website gives updates on the coronavirus in the United States, gives best practices for prevention and treatment and offers background information on the virus.
  • The World Health Organization
    This website gives information on the global status of the spread and response to coronavirus.
  • The State Department
    This website offers resources and background on the coronavirus, specifically in China. For those considering travelling abroad, please review the State Department’s list of travel advisories.
  • The Department of Veterans Affairs
    This website offers guidance for veterans and information about the VA’s response to COVID-19. Veterans going to the VA should be advised that they need to arrive early, due to screening procedures.
  • The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
    This website has resources for Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP coverage of coronavirus, including waivers and frequently asked questions.
  • Florida Department of Health
    #COVID19 Call Center: 866-779-6121 or email COVID-19@flhealth.gov
  • St. Lucie County Department of Health:
    772-462-3800 or http://stlucie.floridahealth.gov/
  • City of Port St. Lucie:
    772-871-1775 (1PSL) or www.cityofpsl.com
  • City of Fort Pierce:
    772-467-3000 or https://www.cityoffortpierce.com/
  • UF/IFAS Extension:
    http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_covid19

Need Healthcare? HANDS of St. Lucie County may be able to help!

If you are 18-64 and financially qualify, you may have access to free primary healthcare.

To get started, you will need:

• Current Driver’s License or Photo ID
• Social Security Card
• Proof of St. Lucie County Residency
• Proof of Income or Letter Of Support

In addition, if you have your 2019 tax returns or a recent Medicaid Denial Letter please bring them. But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we would like to try to help you even without these documents. We are here for you.Call the number below for help and to set your appointment with a Patient Navigator. We are here for you.

HANDS of St. Lucie County
A Volunteers in Medicine Affiliate
3855 South US 1, Suite B
Fort Pierce, FL 34982
(772) 462-5646