Monoclonal Antibody Infusions available at Med Center Health for COVID patients

An effective treatment option is available for patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are considered to be high-risk for possible hospitalization. Monoclonal antibody infusions are available at The Medical Center. To date, The Medical Center at Bowling Green Outpatient Infusion Center has provided more than 500 infusions for COVID patients. The FDA has issued Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for two types of infusions to treat COVID: bamlanivimab (BAM), or casirivimab/imdevimab. These are administered to patients intravenously (IV) while the patient is under observation. They have been shown to provide significant relief from symptoms for those with COVID.

Not everyone is eligible for the infusion, however. COVID patients already receiving supplemental oxygen therapy cannot get the infusion. But if you have tested positive and have a mild-to-moderate case of COVID –and are at high risk for developing severe symptoms or being hospitalized–your doctor may order infusion therapy for you.

To be considered high risk, you must have one or more of the following:

• BMI greater than 35
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Diabetes
• Immunosuppressive disease or receiving treatment
• Over 65
• Over 55 with cardiovascular disease
• Over 55 with hypertension
• Over 55 with COPD and/or other chronic respiratory disease
• 12-17 years of age and one of the following:
  • BMI less than 85^th percentile for age and gender based on CDC chart
  • Sickle cell disease
  • Congenital or acquired heart disease
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Medical-related technological dependence
  • Asthma, reactive airway or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control.

The infusion takes one hour with an additional hour of observation and only one dose is necessary. Talk to your doctor about whether or not you qualify for monoclonal antibody infusion to help with COVID-19 symptoms, and discuss any possible risks or side effects.

Med Center Health mourns the loss of Don Miller, M.D.

Dr. Don Miller passed away on December 21, 2020 following his battle with COVID-19.  Dr. Miller joined our medical staff in 2004 and has worked in the Emergency Department at our Bowling Green campus for nearly seventeen years. Dr. Miller’s dedication and sacrifice for his profession, colleagues, and our patients will never be forgotten.

Prior to joining Med Center Health, Dr. Miller was on staff at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown and Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin, having served as Medical Director for Hardin Memorial’s Emergency Department for ten years. Over the course of his career, Dr. Miller held several medical directorships with ambulance services in Kentucky and actively participated in paramedic training courses.

Dr. Miller worked faithfully alongside his Emergency Department friends and colleagues on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic since the first Med Center Health patient tested positive in March of this year. He provided outstanding emergency care for our patients both before and during the pandemic and will forever be remembered as a true healthcare hero. Our hearts are with Dr. Miller’s wife, Teresa, his children and our Emergency Department team during this difficult time.

Infectious Disease specialist at forefront of COVID-19 loses personal battle with illness

Rebecca Shadowen, MD, FACP, FSHEA, a specialist in Infectious Diseases & Healthcare Epidemiology at Med Center Health and a leader with the Bowling Green–Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup, passed away tonight following a four-month battle with COVID-19. Dr. Shadowen first announced she tested positive for the virus on May 13th.

Connie Smith, President and CEO of Med Center Health, stated, “We are grieving the loss of Dr. Rebecca Shadowen. There are really no words to describe the pain felt by her family, physician colleagues and Med Center Health teammates. Dr. Shadowen will forever be remembered as a nationally recognized expert who provided the very best care for our patients and community. She was a dear friend to many.”

Dr. Shadowen joined the Medical Staff at The Medical Center at Bowling Green in 1989, and has been a physician leader in our region, across the Commonwealth of Kentucky and nationally for over 30 years. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

We hope you will join us in keeping her family in your thoughts and prayers.

Kentucky doctor who urged mask-wearing early on dies of Covid-19 (NBC News)

Kentucky doctor who led fight against COVID-19 dies after 4-month battle with virus (Courier-Journal)

HOSPITAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Residents are encouraged to remain calm and to use proper hygienic methods and social distancing to prevent the spread of airborne infections, such as the common cold, influenza, and other respiratory illnesses, including, but not limited to, the coronavirus.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others. Full instructions are on the CDC website. Never put a mask on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• If in a private setting and not wearing a mask, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Practice hand hygiene – wash your hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
• Don’t touch your face with unwashed hands; it’s the easiest way for germs to enter your body.
• Try to limit your exposure to sick people.
• Put distance between yourself and other people (at least 6 feet).
• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
• Practice other good health habits – get plenty of sleep; stay active; manage your stress; drink plenty of fluids; and eat nutritious food.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED

If you have traveled to any active zone within the past two weeks and have developed symptoms of lower respiratory illness — which include cough, shortness of breath, and fever — call your local hospital and ask to speak to the Emergency Department, or you may visit the Emergency Department. If you go to the Emergency Department, or any healthcare facility, please be sure to inform them immediately of your travel history and symptoms.

It is recommended that you call your physician before entering any healthcare facility if you believe you are exhibiting symptoms.

• The Medical Center at Bowling Green: 270-745-1000
• The Medical Center at Albany: 606-387-8000
• The Medical Center at Caverna: 270-786-2191
• The Medical Center at Franklin: 270-598-4800
• The Medical Center at Scottsville: 270-622-2800

HOW HAS MED CENTER HEALTH PREPARED?

Med Center Health is working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of our patients amid concerns surrounding COVID-19. Our hospitals have existing bed capacity and have surge plans in place when necessary. We will continue to monitor and follow Centers for Disease Control guidelines, engage continuously with local infectious disease specialists and collaborate with key stakeholders through the Bowling Green-Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup. We are also fully compliant with Governor Beshear’s recommendations to restart elective procedures at this time.

All hospitals within the Med Center Health system are actively screening patients to determine exposure to communicable illnesses. The Medical Center at Bowling Green is prepared with:

• Areas of the hospital identified as containment locations.
• Defined procedures for management of patients with the illness.
• Team drills to simulate and prepare for a large volume of patients.
• Expert Infectious Disease physicians on staff.
• Close communication and coordination with state and local health officials and emergency management.
• Additional space with an inflatable hospital in the event of an unexpected high volume of patients with the virus.

Warren County Coronavirus Workgroup

The Workgroup communicates daily to discuss information relating to the Coronavirus. It is the goal of the Workgroup to provide information to the public each afternoon via Facebook Twitter, and Instagram. The information posted daily will serve as direct communication to both the media and to the public.

Members of the Workgroup include:

• Barren River District Health Department
• Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce
• Bowling Green Independent School District
• Graves Gilbert Clinic
• Med Center Health
• Rivendell Behavioral Health Hospital
• Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College
• Southern Kentucky Rehabilitation Hospital
• The City of Bowling Green
• TriStar Greenview Regional Hospital
• Warren County Emergency Management
• Warren County Government
• Warren County Public Schools
• Western Kentucky University

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization
• Kentucky Department of Health/Cabinet for Health and Family Services
• Barren River District Health Department
• Barren River District Health Department COVID-19 Hotline – 270-781-8039.
• Office of Governor Andy Beshear COVID-19 Updates
• Patient Education Institute – free educational information about COVID-19 in multiple languages.

If you test positive for COVID-19, there are several steps you can take to keep yourself and the ones close to you safe. The majority of people who come down with COVID have mild to moderate symptoms – fever, chills, cough, and other symptoms similar to a bad cold or the flu and recover in a couple of weeks. Those with more serious cases may take several weeks to recover. READ MORE.

Follow us on social media for Updates on COVID-19

Connie Smith, Med Center Health President and CEO, on Twitter

Med Center Health Twitter

Med Center Health Facebook

COVID-19 Resource Center

Learn more about COVID-19 in our health library resource center.

Kentucky COVID-19 Hotline (800) 722-5725

The COVID-19 hotline is a service operated by the healthcare professionals at the KY Poison Control Center who can provide advice and answer questions. Please be patient as they are handling a high volume of calls and want to give everyone the time they deserve. For general information, please review this web page or the kycovid19.ky.gov website prior to calling the hotline.

Learn more about COVID-19 in Local news

Med Center Health talks vaccine preps and refrigeration process (WBKO)

Medical professionals urge the public to wear masks and social distance (WBKO)

Increase in COVID-19 related hospitalizations as medical professionals urge people to stay safe (WNKY)

COVID-19 cases close courthouse as hospitals see increase (Daily News)

Dr. Rebecca Shadowen passes away after four-month long battle with COVID-19 (WBKO)

Hospitalized Physician at Forefront of COVID-19 Battle Returns to Bowling Green

Continue to Follow Guidelines will avoid ‘Re-Peak’ Possibility (WBKO)

Is There a Possibility of Re-Peaking for COVID 19? (WBKO)

Are Emergency Rooms Safe: Extended Dr. Moss Conversation (WKU PBS)

COVID-19: Moving Forward Interview with Dr. Shadowen (WKU PBS)

COVID-19 Under the Microscope Interview with Dr. Shadowen (WKU PBS)

Orthopedic Plus Physical Therapy taking highest measures to ensure patient and staff safety (WBKO)

Med Center Health: Emergency Department is safe during coronavirus pandemic (WBKO)

Kentucky to Extend Bowling Green’s COVID-19 Testing (WBKO, April 27)

COVID-19 tests increase over the week significantly at Med Center Health (WBKO, March 19)

Local hospital continually refining coronavirus plans (WNKY)

First confirmed COVID-19 case at The Medical Center at Bowling Green

Med Center Health advances safety precautions in birthing center amid outbreak (WBKO March 18)

Medical Center at Bowling Green Preparedness Update (WKNY, March 18)

13 News Coronavirus Concerns Special (March 15, 2020)

WKYU-FM Interview with Infectious Disease Specialist Rebecca Shadowen, MD

March 10, 2020 Med Center Health COVID-19 Update news release

Med Center EMS prepared for coronavirus response (WBKO)

Daily News interview with Infectious Disease Specialist Rebecca Shadowen, MD

WBKO interview with Dr. Shadowen

Hospital expands screening (Daily News, March 7)