Press Release
Fetter Health Care Network (Fetter) has been selected by the federal government to participate in the COVID-19 Therapeutics Program, providing the opportunity to administer oral antiviral medication for patients experiencing mild to moderate COVID-19 illness, following the issuance of Emergency Use Authorization from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In partnership with the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services, Fetter will launch this effort on Wednesday, Jan. 19 at several of its sites throughout the Lowcountry.
“Our top priority at this time is to ensure underserved communities affected by COVID-19 have easy access to FDA-authorized or approved COVID-19 oral antiviral pills,” said Aretha Powers, DHA, CEO of Fetter. “Throughout the pandemic, our team has intentionally focused on caring for individuals and communities who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, including those experiencing homelessness, migratory agricultural workers, public housing residents, minority communities, rural residents, elderly and those with limited English proficiency. As we step into this next phase of serving our communities, this mission will remain.”
Fetter will adhere to the FDA's eligibility recommendations when assessing whether patients medically qualify to receive COVID-19 antiviral medication. Fetter will conduct a rapid antigen test on symptomatic patients and a medical provider will determine proper treatment based on various criteria including age, vaccination status and past medical history. Fetter will also uphold its standards to ensure no patient is denied service due to an individual's inability to pay and will continue its commitment to providing care for patients who are uninsured, underinsured, insured and those who have Medicaid and Medicare.
In an effort to increase access to treatment, Fetter will offer free COVID-19 testing and antivirals to individuals who qualify at locations throughout Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester and Colleton Counties based on the following schedule:
For more information on the COVID-19 Therapeutics program, visit the website of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. To learn more about Fetter, its range of services, COVID-19 vaccination clinics and more, visit FetterHealthCare.org.
